Development brings hope to border villages in Jammu and Kashmir
Jammu and Kashmir, April 17: The border villages of Jammu and Kashmir were once living under constant fear and intimidation due to Pakistan shelling.
But since August 5, 2019, when the Centre announced its decision to scrap J-K's special status and bifurcate it into two Union Territories, the government has been making a concerted effort to bring development to these frontier villages.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah had promised the people of J-K and Ladakh that their destinies would change and both leaders have been true to their words.
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Under the vision of PM Modi, the Centre has expedited the development of border areas and provided basic facilities and modern technology. To ensure peace along the Line of Control (LoC), the Indian and Pakistan armies entered into a ceasefire agreement in February 2021, and it has held strong for the past three years. In addition, the security forces have been successful in foiling attempts to smuggle weapons and drugs using drones.
The Union Ministry for Roads, Transport and Highways has undertaken massive road connectivity projects in far-flung areas and road projects worth Rs 65000 crore are being built in Jammu and Kashmir. Tunnels are being constructed and soon these projects will be completed. Emphasis is being laid on providing facilities like electricity, quality education, quality health care facility and mobile/internet connectivity.
The government has opened up border areas like Keran, Gurez, Karnah, Machil, and Bangus in Kashmir for tourists and this has opened new employment avenues for the natives. The Union Ministry for Home Affairs is implementing the Border Area Development programme (BADP), which is a programme of the Central Government to bring about the development of border areas and bridge the gaps in socioeconomic infrastructure.
The government is also encouraging the border dwellers to participate in the development. Village Defence Groups (VDGs) have been provided with arms training and laced with sophisticated weapons to defend their communities from terror attacks. The Army Goodwill Schools (AGS) are imparting education to children and the Indian Army has been preparing youth from far-flung areas to take part in competitive examinations and is providing dedicated training to them under the 'Agniveer' scheme.
Overall, the government is making a sincere effort to eliminate the poverty and backwardness of the border areas, and the people are benefitting from the various initiatives taken by the Union Ministry. After years of fear and uncertainty, the border dwellers of Jammu and Kashmir are now looking forward to a better and brighter future.
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- ANI
