Post-Art 370 J&K to be torchbearer of India’s growth story: Dr Jitendra

New Delhi, Aug 04: “Post-Article 370 Jammu & Kashmir will emerge as the torchbearer of India’s future growth story,” Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh said on Sunday.
In an exclusive interview with Doordarshan News on the eve of the fifth anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370, Dr Singh said Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) is heralding as a future torchbearer in India’s growth story. He highlighted how the removal of Article 370 has unveiled both untapped natural and human resources in the region, citing the “Purple Revolution” from Bhaderwah—a burgeoning Agri-Startup sector promising significant economic contributions.
Dr Jitendra said, “As we mark the fifth anniversary, the transformation in J&K is notable across four key areas: democratic reforms, governance improvements, development strides, and enhanced security. The historic abrogation of Article 370 has granted citizenship rights to many in J&K who were previously denied these rights for seven decades.”
He criticised previous administrations for their manipulation of Article 370 to serve their interests. He recounted how, during the Emergency period, the term of J&K’s State Assembly was extended from five to six years, a change that was selectively enforced to benefit local political interests. “This abuse of Article 370 reveals how some parties exploited it for their gain,” he said.
Addressing security issues, Dr Singh praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his firm stance against anti-India activities, saying that individuals once hosted by the Pakistani Embassy are now detained in Delhi’s Tihar Jail. He also mentioned the increased presence of the national flag across government offices in J&K as a symbol of national integration.
On governance, the union minister criticised previous Congress-led central governments for their “failure” to implement the 73rd and 74th Amendments of the Panchayat Act in J&K. “Democratic decentralisation was stifled due to lack of central funding prior to 2019,” he said.
Regarding security, Dr Jitendra claimed that terrorism is in its final stages in J&K. “While terrorists still target soft spots to maintain relevance, the situation is under control and will soon be resolved,” he said.
He highlighted recent positive developments, including the influx of around 2.5 crore tourists to Kashmir in the past two years and the successful hosting of the G20 meetings in Srinagar. This surge in tourism and peace improved security conditions and the region’s rising appeal, he said.
The minister also pointed to the growing aspirations of J&K’s youth, who are now excelling in civil services, sports and other sectors. He mentioned the removal of interviews for junior-level government jobs, implemented in J&K post-abrogation, as a significant step in integrating the region into the mainstream.
Infrastructure development has also seen a boost, Dr Singh said. He highlighted the construction of the world’s tallest rail bridge over the Chenab River and the revival of stalled hydropower projects. He said that Udhampur is now among the top districts for rural road development under PMGSY and praised PM Awas Yojana for restoring public trust in government services.
Dr Singh underscored the transformation of Kathua into a new industrial hub and the establishment of prestigious institutions like IIT, AIIMS, IIM, and central universities in the region. The “Purple Revolution” in lavender cultivation, which has gained national recognition and was featured in the Republic Day Parade, exemplifies J&K’s progress in agriculture and entrepreneurship.
Concluding the interview, Dr Jitendra said the region’s achievements are due to Prime Minister Modi’s vision and leadership. “I am confident that J&K will play a pivotal role in India’s future development and emerge as a central player in the country’s growth story,” he said.