Record tourist arrivals underscore peace, dev in J&K: Dr Jitendra

New Delhi, July 04: Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh on Thursday said the record number of tourists visiting Kashmir, nearly 2.5 crore in the last season, serves as a testament to the region’s development and peace. He further said that 1 lakh people have already arrived for the Amarnath Yatra, which underscores a significant boom in domestic tourism.
Addressing questions about Jammu and Kashmir’s progress over the last decade, Dr Singh remarked that terrorism is in its final phase.
During his speech at the Bharat 24 News network event, the union minister revealed ambitious plans for India’s space and marine sectors. “By 2025, the world will witness the first Indian in space and another in the deep sea,” he said, adding, “Four astronauts—three Group Captains and one Wing Commander—have been selected for India’s first human space mission, Gaganyaan. Additionally, India’s Deep-Sea mission aims to send three Indians to explore the depths of the sea in 2025.”
Highlighting the development in Northeast India, Dr Singh, who serves as the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, and MoS for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, lauded the region’s infrastructure overhaul over the past decade. He cited new operational airports, an expanded network of all-weather roads and highways, improved remote connectivity, and the initiation of railway services from Itanagar. New waterways have also been opened, enhancing connectivity.
Dr Jitendra said that not just infrastructure improvements but also significant advancements in human resources. “Recruiters in the hospitality and aviation industries are now actively seeking talent from the Northeast,” he said. He highlighted Prime Minister Modi’s fondness for the region, mentioning the establishment of a Citrus Fruit Park—A Centre of Excellence in Mizoram due to its favourable conditions.
The media group congratulated Dr Singh for his consecutive wins from the Udhampur constituency and his third term as a minister.
Reflecting on India’s vision and progress, the Science and Technology Minister discussed the broad impact of the space sector beyond just launching rockets and satellites. He pointed out its potential to drive growth in agriculture, infrastructure, communication, and healthcare. Initiatives like land record management, the new geospatial policy, the new space policy, and programs such as the soil health card, DBT, and land mapping will enhance farmer productivity.
The union minister highlighted the remarkable growth in the space sector, saying that from having just one space startup in 2022, India now boasts nearly 200 startups with global capacities. “The sector has attracted private sector investments worth 1000 crore INR within a few months,” he said.
The minister underscored India’s leadership in quantum technologies with the National Quantum Mission and highlighted the untapped potential of India’s vast resources, including Himalayan and marine resources along the 7500-km-long coastline. He discussed the success of the Aroma Mission, which promotes lavender cultivation, blending agriculture with entrepreneurship, thereby economically empowering farmers through technological advancements.