India took the unprecedented decision to bring Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) on a par with other States and Union Territories of India almost three years ago, on August 5, 2019, by declaring it as a Union Territory (UT). The applicability of central laws such as Right to Education not only provides all round protection for the under-privileged sections but has also given wings to the dreams of the people of J&K. A 40% increase in budget allocation from around USD 10 billion in 2019-20 to about USD 14 billion in 2022-23 fuels the impressive story of a new dawn and hopes in J&K.

People are freely exercising their right to choose. Elections to Block Development Councils – the second tier in the three-tier local governance framework in India – which was held for the first time in the history of J&K in October 2019, witnessed a startling voter turnout of 98.3%.

Fifty infrastructure projects worth USD 7.5 billion in diverse sectors have been undertaken. The all-weather 8.45 km long hi-tech tunnel between Qazigund and Banihal as well as the world’s highest railway bridge which is being built over the Chenab river are all a part of this endeavor.

One hundred percent household electrification is another main accomplishment. The airport in Srinagar is now more connected with other parts of India and beyond it. Installation of 19,000 solar street lights and planting of 13 million trees are a part of this environment-friendly growth story. This will contribute to India’s determined push to for net zero emissions by 2070.

Seamless transformation is also being spurred by the infusion of investments with the Government wooing the investors through special incentives for new units as well expansion of existing industrial units. Investment proposals of over USD 6.5 billion have been received. In addition, J&K Government has entered into six agreements with global investors for bringing in investments in real estate, infrastructure, tourism, healthcare and manpower development.

Employment generation which is a natural outcome of these changes coupled with focused initiatives on skills development is rewriting destinies of the youth. More than half a million people are estimated to have been employed through self-employment schemes since August 2019. More than USD 50 million loans have been disbursed under various programmes aimed at igniting the underlying entrepreneurial spirit. Government joined hands with Tata Technologies to establish Centres for Invention, Innovation, Incubation and Training to enhance capacities of engineers. IT Parks and rural BPOs in all districts are some of other schemes which promise a better tomorrow.

The citizen-centric story of J&K has introduced several mechanisms that inspire confidence. The online integrated grievance redressal and monitoring system which was launched in September 2020 has been instrumental in addressing more than 90 % grievances out of the 85,000 received till date. The Budget Estimation Allocation Monitoring System provides information on utilization of Government funds for development projects, thereby ensuring transparency on this score.

As the people of J&K are reaping the fruits of a bold decision taken three years ago, they now see a brighter future – something they never dreamt of before August 2019. Clearly, this impressive story had to be told!!!