Jammu: Union minister Jitendra Singh on Sunday said the construction of underground bunkers in forward villages has boosted confidence among border residents and helped address the challenges that previously compelled families to migrate from these areas during cross-border shelling in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) visited Chakra village in the Hiranagar sector near the International Border in Kathua district, part of his Udhampur Lok Sabha constituency, where he inaugurated a J&K Bank Easy Business Unit and held a ‘public darbar’.
He talked about the construction of bunkers in border areas in accordance with prescribed security standards to protect residents during cross-border firing.
“Improved infrastructure and security arrangements have contributed to greater confidence among border residents and helped address the circumstances that earlier compelled families to migrate,” he said, describing the development of border areas as an important example of efforts to improve living conditions and strengthen public confidence in governance.
He said the “border areas of Jammu and Kashmir have come a long way on the path of development since 2014, when Narendra Modi took over as the Prime Minister of the country.”
Recalling the challenges faced by border residents earlier, he said several areas suffered from inadequate road connectivity, lack of mobile communication infrastructure and limited access to basic amenities.
“The development approach under Modi has sought to ensure that people receive the benefits of development irrespective of their geographical location or political choices,” he said, adding that the focus has been on regional equity and democratisation of opportunities, ensuring that development reaches people in border areas as well as those living in more accessible regions.
He said the road connectivity has been strengthened in areas that earlier remained difficult to access.
“Roads now extend up to the zero line in several stretches along the International Border, facilitating movement and improving access for residents and security personnel,” Singh said.
The minister also referred to the installation of mobile towers using technology suited to the requirements of border areas, including directed-signal systems designed with security considerations. These measures have helped improve communication infrastructure in areas where connectivity was previously limited.
He said the expansion of banking infrastructure and the implementation of inclusive financial policies under the leadership of PM Modi have contributed to a change in public attitudes towards formal banking, digital transactions and entrepreneurship.
The minister also referred to the development of sports infrastructure, including an international-level stadium associated with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in Kathua.
He highlighted the importance of sports facilities in providing young people with opportunities to pursue their interests and participate in organised sporting activities.
The minister said the development initiatives undertaken over the past 12 years reflect the emphasis placed by the Modi government on inclusive growth and regional equity.
“The objective is to ensure that residents of border areas receive opportunities and public services comparable to those available elsewhere and that development should reach every household without discrimination,” he said.
During the darbar, the minister interacted with local residents and public representatives and took up issues concerning development, public infrastructure and essential services.
