LG’s RD address – full text

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

 Warm greetings on the occasion of the 77th Republic Day. This is a day to remember with gratitude the countless freedom fighters whose dedication,  struggle, and sacrifices paved the way for our independence and the birth of our Republic. This sacred festival reminds us of the enduring values enshrined in the Indian Constitution, which form the very foundation of our democracy. It is a moment to renew our collective commitment to the democratic ideals.

2. Let us bow with deep respect before the freedom fighters and martyrs who laid down their lives so that the nation might live with honour and I pay heartfelt tribute to the valiant soldiers of the Indian Army, the paramilitary forces, and the Jammu and Kashmir Police, whose unwavering commitment and supreme sacrifices stand guard over our unity, integrity, and security. Their indomitable courage and spirit of service ignite our collective resolve to build a stronger, safer, and more prosperous India.
3. I express my sincere gratitude to all members of the armed forces, police, paramilitary units, and civil administration who upheld the nation’s pride through their duty, dedication, and bravery during Operation Following the brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Operation Sindoor emerged as a defining moment in India’s national security doctrine. India made it unequivocally clear that any terrorist attack on its soil would be treated as an act of war. Operation Sindoor was not merely a military action; it was a declaration of India’s strategic resolve. We struck at the heart of the enemy, dismantled their terror infrastructure, exposed the hollowness of nuclear threats, and reaffirmed our unwavering commitment to protecting national sovereignty. Through this operation, India conveyed to the world that every act of terrorism and every attempt to support it will be met with a decisive response.
4. India has firmly drawn a new red The success of Operation Sindoor has instilled renewed confidence among citizens that our brave soldiers remain vigilant and fully committed to their protection. At the same time, it has sent a clear signal to the international community that

India’s actions are rational, restrained, and rooted in its legitimate right to self-defence. Whether terrorist networks operate across the border or within it, they will be completely neutralized.

4. Operation Sindoor continues, with every hostile move being closely As part of non- kinetic measures, India has terminated the Indus Water Treaty, delivering a strong message that bloodshed and cooperation cannot coexist. India’s water resources will now be utilized for India’s development.
5. I pay my heartfelt tributes to all civilians who lost their lives in the Pahalgam terrorist I also commend the personnel of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, CRPF, and the Indian Army who, through Operation Mahadev, eliminated the three Pakistani terrorists involved in the attack and delivered justice for the dignity of our mothers and sisters. I further appreciate the Jammu and Kashmir Police for uncovering a nationwide terror network last November and preventing several attacks in time. They are India’s true heroes, and I am proud of them. With deep respect and gratitude, I honour the martyrs of the Jammu and

Kashmir Police, paramilitary forces, and  the Army. The entire nation remains indebted to them and their families, and their sacrifices will never be forgotten. I also offer my heartfelt condolences to the police and civil administration personnel who lost their lives in the unfortunate accidental explosion in Nowgam. The debt owed to those who secured peace and progress in Jammu and Kashmir with their blood can never be repaid. On this solemn occasion, we must pledge to remember their sacrifice and fulfil their dream of a peaceful, fearless, and developed Jammu & Kashmir.

7. Dear brothers and sisters, a new dawn has arrived in Jammu and Employment is being provided not to those associated with terrorism, but to families who have suffered because of it. Decades of suppressed pain and tears are finally receiving dignity and justice. I assure the people of Jammu and Kashmir that every case linked to terrorism will be thoroughly examined, fresh investigations will be conducted, and the guilty will face the strictest punishment.
8. I also pay tribute to the citizens who lost their lives in last year’s unfortunate natural Along with government assistance, corporate entitites and voluntary organizations from across the country extended support to ensure swift relief to affected families. Under the leadership of the Hon’ble Prime Minister, the Government of India is fully committed to their complete rehabilitation.
9. Jammu and Kashmir’s economy is estimated to register a growth rate of 11 percent at current prices, driven by sustained government initiatives and strategic policy The Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) of the Union Territory is estimated at ₹2,62,458 crore for 2024–25, up from ₹2,36,059 crore in 2023–24. This positive trajectory underscores the effectiveness of ongoing economic development strategies, infrastructure expansion, and business-friendly policies.
10. The tourism sector occupies a pivotal position in the economy of Jammu and Kashmir and was granted the status of an industry in 2020 to attract greater Known as the “Paradise on Earth,” J&K recorded 1.61 crore tourist visits in

2025 (up to November). While this figure is lower than last year’s 2.36 crore visits, considering the adverse impact of the Pahalgam incident in April 2025 and subsequent floods, the sustained and focused efforts of the Government have yielded encouraging and resilient outcomes.

14. The Government is making sustained efforts to develop world-class tourist destinations, with financial support from the Ministry of Tourism and external funding With a vision to explore and unlock new tourism potential, nine new tourist destinations have been identified, and projects are being prepared to develop these sites in accordance with international standards.
15. The Kashmir Marathon is being developed as a flagship initiative for sports tourism and destination branding, projecting Kashmir as a global hub for sports and wellness The participation of Hon’ble Chief Minister Omar Abdullah further reinforced confidence, unity, and projected Kashmir’s image as a safe, open, and welcoming destination. The maiden edition of the Jammu Marathon has been formally launched and is scheduled for March 2026.
16. The 150th anniversary of the national song Vande Mataram has grown beyond a mere celebration and transformed into a people’s movement, rekindling in every heart a renewed spirit of love, sacrifice, service, and devotion to the In the very first phase, achieving the top national distinction, we have created a new chapter in history. Places that once echoed with voices of division are today alive with the colours of the Tricolour, as homes proudly display the flag and citizens march together in Tiranga yatras. With unwavering commitment to the nation-building, every citizen is now actively engaged in strengthening the values enshrined in our Constitution.
17. Dear brothers and sisters, through the Mission YUVA Programme, we are empowering the aspirations of our youth by providing skill development, comprehensive mentorship, and financial support to promote This flagship initiative reflects our unwavering commitment to harnessing the immense potential of young minds as a catalyst for economic growth, social stability, and nation-building in the Union Territory.
18. Mission YUVA adopts a holistic approach, encompassing capacity building, credit enablement, career counselling, robust job- matching portal, and market linkages through the ONDC buyer Under its capacity-building component, a hybrid entrepreneurship development course has been introduced, through which over 5,000 youth have successfully completed training, strengthening the foundation for sustainable self-employment and enterprise creation.
19. Mission YUVA aims to provide comprehensive career guidance, industry-relevant skilling, and effective job placement for the youth of Jammu and Under the mission, 1.35 lakh entrepreneurial units are targeted to be created, and 4.5 lakh youth are envisaged to be provided employment. Within its very first year of implementation, over 1.51 lakh youth have registered on the platform. Of these, 61,941 youth have applied under various credit-linked schemes, and more than 12,000 cases have already been sanctioned by banks, involving loans exceeding

₹800  crore.  This  encouraging  response  reflects the  growing  entrepreneurial  spirit  of  our  youth

and the Government’s commitment to creating sustainable livelihoods across Jammu and Kashmir.

19. Merit-based recruitment has been ensured for 7,650 Government positions during 2025, while the recruitment process for an additional 23,800 posts is currently underway, reinforcing transparency and fairness in public employment.
20. During 2025, 910 compassionate appointments have been provided, enabling families to lead dignified lives following the untimely loss of primary This includes 464 cases of Next of Kins (NoKs) of terror-affected families, including victims of the Kathua incident, Operation Sindoor, and the Nowgam incident, ensuring timely relief and employment support to families affected by violence and tragedy.
21. Dear brothers and sisters, Kashmir has now been connected with the rest of India through train services, fulfilling a long-cherished A full- fledged Railway Division for Jammu has also been sanctioned. Expansion and  modernization of Jammu Tawi Railway Station and Jammu Airport are progressing steadily, significantly strengthening regional connectivity.
22. The first-ever Food Corporation of India (FCI) food-grain freight train connecting Kashmir with the national freight network has been operationalized, realizing another long-standing Freight train movement will benefit citizens, businesses, and infrastructure projects by ensuring year-round logistics unaffected by adverse weather, reducing pressure on NH-44, and accelerating economic growth in Jammu and Kashmir.
23. The road network has witnessed substantial improvement through the execution of various programmes and With an overall investment of ₹61,528 crore, construction and up- gradation of one Expressway (Delhi–Amritsar– Katra), five National Highways, and two Ring Roads for Jammu and Srinagar cities are in progress. Three tunnels, including the Sonamarg Tunnel, have been completed, while eight tunnels, including the Zojila Tunnel, are at advanced stages of completion. These initiatives have significantly enhanced connectivity and reduced travel time, particularly on the Srinagar–Jammu corridor. The  Narbal–Shopian–Surankote  road,

with a spur to Magam–Gulmarg (196.50 km), has recently been declared a National Highway.

21. To further strengthen connectivity, the Government of India has sanctioned 19 new National Highway projects during 2025–26, at an estimated cost of ₹10,637 These include key projects such as the Pir Ki Gali Tunnel, Sadhna Tunnel, four-lane flyover from Lal Chowk to Parimpora Junction, and the four-lane Magam Flyover on the Narbal–Gulmarg section.

habitations under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY). With the launch of PMGSY- IV, 2,400 unconnected rural habitations in Jammu and Kashmir will now be connected. In Phase-I,

316 projects, with an estimated cost of ₹4,224 crore, have been sanctioned for construction and up-gradation of 1,781 km of road length. Given the strategic and geographical importance of Jammu and Kashmir, this initiative will provide vital connectivity to thousands of families.

23. To address connectivity needs in strategic and far- flung areas, 152 road projects, covering 1,148 km at a cost exceeding ₹2,600 crore, have been submitted to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, for
24. Our focused efforts in the power sector are yielding unprecedented Four major hydropower projects—Pakal Dul, Ratle, Kiru, and Kwar with a combined capacity of 3,014 MW, are under rapid execution. The long-stalled 1,856 MW Sawalkote Hydroelectric Project has also been revived after years of stagnation. Over the past five years, a record 5,708 MVA has been added to the distribution sector and 4,239 MVA to the transmission sector. Installation of smart prepaid meters is underway in mission mode, with

10.44 lakh meters already installed, and 100% coverage targeted by 2026–27. As a result, losses have been reduced by 9%, while revenue has increased by 16%.

25. The PM Surya Ghar – Muft Bijli Yojana is being implemented across the Union Territory with the objective of solarising households and government   Till    date,     6,716

government buildings have been solarised, creating a cumulative installed capacity of 64.61 MW, while 16,816 rooftop solar systems have been installed in individual households. This initiative has resulted in a substantial reduction in recurring electricity expenditure, enhanced reliability of power supply, and reduced dependence on conventional energy sources. I urge all citizens to actively support the administration in the solarisation of households and in minimising their electricity expenses.

26. In fulfilment of the commitment to provide clean tap water to every household, under the Jal Jeevan Mission, more than 62 lakh rural households (81 percent) have been successfully provided with piped water connections. Additionally, Har Ghar Jal (HGJ) certification has been achieved in 867 villages, marking significant progress towards universal water coverage.
27. The Shahpur Kandi Dam Project has made significant Since 22nd September 2025, regulated gravity flow of water has commenced, with the canal presently conveying approximately

150  cusecs.  Trial  operations  of  the  project  are

ongoing, along with the implementation of necessary mitigation measures.

28. Over the past few years, the agriculture and allied sectors have undergone a significant structural transformation, driven by targeted policy interventions under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) and allied The focus has shifted from subsistence-oriented practices to a diversified, market-linked, and income-centric agricultural economy, resulting in measurable gains across crops, livestock, horticulture, and allied activities.
29. Crop diversification has gained strong momentum across the Union The cultivated area has expanded  by  6.22  percent,  increasing  from

12.71 lakh hectares to 13.50 lakh hectares. Simultaneously, a major thrust on strengthening the seed ecosystem has led to an improvement in the Seed Replacement Rate (SRR) from 12 percent to 22 percent, enhancing productivity and crop resilience.

30. The Yellow Revolution has emerged as a significant new source of income for farmers in Under  this  initiative,  the  area  under

oilseeds has expanded substantially from 1.4 lakh hectares to 2.1 lakh hectares, resulting in a doubling of oilseed production. Honey production has also witnessed remarkable growth, increasing from 2,200 MT to over 3,895 MT over the last three years, positioning Jammu & Kashmir among the leading honey-producing regions in the country.

35. The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana has been implemented across all 20 districts, with 01 lakh farmers registered during Kharif 2025, ensuring effective crop risk mitigation. The process of extending coverage to horticulture crops has also been initiated. For Rabi 2025–26, the Government plans to cover approximately 40,000 hectares, supported by extensive awareness and enrolment drives to ensure continuity of risk coverage against climatic and other uncertainties.
36. The Kissan Khidmat Ghars (KKGs) are empowering farmers by enhancing productivity and laying a strong foundation for sustainable agricultural More than 7 lakh farmers are now part of this ecosystem, benefiting from access to government services, welfare schemes, and expert advisories.
37. Controlled Atmosphere (CA) storage capacity has been enhanced to 92 lakh MT, supported by substantial investment, with an additional 15,000 MT of capacity being added during the current year, taking the total to 3.07 lakh MT. To ensure remunerative prices for farm produce, 17 mandis have been integrated with the e-NAM platform, strengthening market access and price discovery. A total of 55,355 farmers, traders, FPOs, and other stakeholders have been registered. Trade worth ₹1,680.34  crore, involving 28.26 lakh quintals of agriculture and horticulture produce, has been conducted through e-NAM to date.
38. In order to preserve and promote the region’s rich agricultural heritage, GI tags have been secured for seven agricultural products—Kashmir Saffron, Jammu Basmati, Bhaderwah Rajma, Sulai Honey (Ramban), Kalari (Ramnagar), Anardana (Ramban), and Mushkbudji rice, while 20 additional products are at various stages of Further strengthening conservation efforts, SKUAST, Jammu has established a state- of-the-art Ex-Situ Gene Bank, becoming the third institution in India with such a facility, dedicated to conserve valuable genetic resources such as seeds and plant tissues.
39. The dairy and livestock sector in Jammu & Kashmir has recorded robust and sustained Annual  milk  production  has  reached

28.75 lakh metric tonnes, driven by systematic breed improvement, expanded artificial insemination coverage, and improved animal management practices. Mutton production increased from 318.64 lakh kilograms in 2020–21 to 376.06 lakh kilograms in 2024–25, reflecting a growth of nearly 18 percent over five years. Wool production also rose from 68.45 lakh kilograms to

79.90 lakh kilograms during the same period, registering growth of over 16 percent.

36. With the objective of digitally linking Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) with District Central Cooperative Banks, and to enhance transparency in agricultural credit delivery, 537 PACS have been successfully onboarded onto a digital This marks a major transition from manual record-keeping to efficient and seamless digital operations.
37. An industrial transformation is underway in Jammu & Since 2020, 2,227 industrial units in the organised sector, involving an investment  of   ₹15,940   crore   and   generating

employment for 73,827 persons, have commenced production. Additionally, 1,028 units with a proposed investment of ₹27,613 crore have initiated groundwork, of which 396 units, with an investment of ₹9,949 crore, are expected to commence production by March 2026. Claims worth ₹805 crore have been  approved  under the New Central Sector Scheme. Further, 1,316 J&K-based startups have been registered on the DPIIT (Startup India) portal, including 471 women-led startups, reflecting growing entrepreneurial momentum and national recognition.

38. During 2025–26, a total of 6,050 self-employment enterprises has been established, with margin money assistance of ₹125.24 crore  disbursed up to November 2025, thereby significantly strengthening livelihood
39. To provide a distinct global identity to the handicraft products of Jammu & Kashmir, GI tagging has been approved for 18 crafts, while the registration process for 17 additional products is Simultaneously, sustained efforts to reduce compliance burdens for businesses and citizens have yielded positive outcomes, with Jammu & Kashmir securing the 5th rank among

all  States  and  UTs under the  Business Reform Action Plan (BRAP).

40. Artisans and weavers are being actively encouraged to leverage the Weavers Mudra Scheme to strengthen livelihoods and preserve the cultural heritage of the Over the past two years, more than 1,600 cooperatives have benefited under the Financial Support for Artisan and Weaver Cooperatives Scheme, reinforcing institutional support for traditional crafts.
41. The Handloom and Handicrafts sector provides direct and indirect employment to nearly 45 lakh individuals, primarily from economically weaker sections. About 7,000 cooperative societies have been registered in Jammu & Kashmir. During 2025–26, 188 cooperatives have availed financial assistance amounting to ₹0.70 crore. Under  the  MUDRA  Scheme,  credit  of

₹1.32 crore has been disbursed to 91 weavers up to November, 2025.

42. Four artisans from Jammu & Kashmir received National Honours, including the Shilp Guru Award and National Awards for Handicrafts, instituted by the Ministry of Textiles, Government

of India. The awards were conferred on 9th of December, 2025 at New Delhi in the august presence of the Hon’ble President of  India. Among these, two artisans received National Awards—one for mastery in Sozni embroidery and another for outstanding contribution to handmade carpets.

43. Path-breaking reforms have been undertaken in the education sector to ensure effective, efficient, and comprehensive implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP). These collective efforts are expected to lay a strong foundation for a knowledge-driven The younger generation is being equipped with next-generation skills through  initiatives  such as College on Wheels, entrepreneurship programmes, promotion of startup culture, and engineering kitchens.
44. More than 15,550 schools have introduced pre- primary To inculcate scientific temper and skill orientation, 1.41 lakh students from Classes IX to XII have been enrolled in vocational courses. Under the Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM-SHRI) Yojana, approval has been accorded for the upgradation of

396 schools in the first phase. The Vidya Samiksha Kendra (VSK) has been established and made operational to enable data-driven decision- making and improve learning outcomes. The Government is also planning to launch JK e- Pathshala, a dedicated TV channel to broadcast free, curriculum-based educational content  in local languages, accessible to students across the UT.

48. A total of 172 Atal Tinkering Labs have already been established, with 500 more under implementation under the Atal Innovation Mission of NITI In addition, 1,420 Computer-Aided Learning (CAL) Centres and 1,588 ICT labs have been established, while 1,512 ICT labs and 4,000 smart classrooms are under various stages of establishment. Records of 34.50 lakh students of Classes X, XI, and XII have been uploaded on DigiLocker by JKBOSE as part of the digital transformation initiative. To address gender gaps in literacy, special emphasis is being laid on girls’ education. Residential facilities with free boarding, lodging, and stipends are being provided to over 5,000 girl students of Classes VI to VIII in 89 Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBVs).
49. The University of Jammu and the University of Kashmir have been accredited with A++ grade by Additionally, 74 Government Degree Colleges have received NAAC accreditation, and sustained efforts are underway to ensure accreditation of all colleges to enhance quality in higher education. Emphasis is also being laid on research and innovation. The Centre for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovations (CIRI) at the University of Kashmir has secured a mega Indo-US research grant under the SPARC Scheme. Similarly, the University of Jammu Research Fund (UoJRF) has been established to strengthen research activities across disciplines.
50. Significant infrastructural upgradation in the health sector has led to unprecedented improvements in public healthcare More than 4,000 health infrastructure facilities have been developed, including 15 Medical Colleges, two AIIMS, and two State Cancer Institutes. During the current year, 548 medical seats have been added, comprising 340 MBBS, 128 PG, 34 PG (Ayurveda), and 46 DNB seats.
51. A 160-bedded state-of-the-art additional block at the Bone & Joint Hospital, Srinagar, aimed at strengthening orthopaedic and trauma care services across the region, has been  completed and operationalised since July, Further, two new Cath Labs at GMC, Anantnag and GMC, Jammu have been dedicated to the public. The process has also been initiated for establishing Cath Labs at GMC, Rajouri and GMC, Baramulla.
52. Under the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health  Infrastructure   Mission   (PM-ABHIM),

17 Critical Care Blocks (two 100-bedded and twelve 50-bedded) are under construction to manage life-threatening emergencies and infectious disease outbreaks. Upon completion, these facilities will add 950 critical care beds to the existing capacity. Additionally, 20 Integrated District Public Health Laboratories are under construction to strengthen diagnostic services at the district level.

50. The SEHAT App has been launched to enhance healthcare delivery by integrating services, providers, and patients on a single digital More than 16 lakh users have registered

and are availing services such as blood banks, diagnostic centres, dialysis services, emergency care, health insurance, physiotherapy, and access to both public and private healthcare facilities.

51. The Government is committed to ensure adequate housing with access to basic amenities for every poor Under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Gramin, 3.21 lakh houses have been completed, while construction of the remaining 14,000 houses is in progress. Land is also being provided to landless beneficiaries under the scheme.
52. Planned development of residential infrastructure in satellite cities is progressing, with new townships and mass housing colonies being developed at Kot Bhalwal, Chatterhama, and Gund Under the Smart City Mission, 277 projects have been completed. Under AMRUT 2.0, 90 projects worth over ₹1,000 crore have been approved, of which 17 have been completed and 67 are under execution, aimed at improving sanitation, water supply, and rejuvenation of water bodies.
53. Under Swachh Bharat Mission 0, focused efforts are underway to transform urban areas into

Garbage-Free Cities through improved sanitation and waste management systems. Seventy-eight Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) have been certified Open Defecation Free (ODF). A total of 49 Material    Recovery    Facilities    (MRFs)    and

50 composite pits have been completed, while construction of 16 additional MRFs and 14 composite pits is in progress. Further, two Compressed Biogas (CBG) projects have been taken up for Jammu and Srinagar—work in Jammu is underway, and the DPR for Srinagar has been prepared.

54. Beyond excellence in innovation and academics, the youth of Jammu & Kashmir are also achieving remarkable success in Para-archers Sheetal Devi and Rakesh Kumar have created history through their extraordinary perseverance and dedication, inspiring an entire generation to aspire for excellence and scale new heights.
55. The youth of Jammu and Kashmir are being provided ample opportunities to participate in a wide range of sports Jammu & Kashmir successfully conducted the 5th edition of its flagship Winter Sports Programme, reinforcing its position  as  India’s  premier  winter  sports

destination. These events not only enhanced competitive standards but also boosted sports tourism and generated livelihood opportunities. In a historic milestone, the Union Territory hosted the first-ever Khelo India Water Sports Festival, unlocking the immense potential of its lakes and rivers and giving fresh momentum to rowing, kayaking, and other water-based disciplines. More than 500 athletes from 28 States/UTs participated in the event. The hosting of the 3rd Asian Pencak Silat Championship, with participation of about

300 athletes from over 12 countries, marked a historic moment and showcased J&K’s organisational excellence and growing international sporting footprint. The Kashmir Super League emerged as a landmark sporting event, recording over 10 million digital views and attracting more than 35,000 spectators during its grand finale.

57. Modern sports infrastructure is being developed to ensure a bright future for young So far, 2 Centres of Excellence and 92 Khelo India Centres have been established across all 20 Districts of the Union Territory.
58. The Jammu and Kashmir Administration remains fully committed to the resettlement and welfare of Kashmiri migrant A total of 6,000 flats has been sanctioned for Kashmiri migrant employees working in the Valley, against which 3,736 flats have been completed and 3,250 allotted to eligible migrant families. The remaining flats are scheduled for completion by March, 2026. Efforts have also been made to extend the benefits of the Ayushman Bharat – SEHAT health insurance scheme to migrant families, with more than 1,200 families registered so far.
59. Dear brothers and sisters, after a  long  wait, the tribal community in Jammu and Kashmir has been  effectively    An  amount  of

₹8.18  crore  has  been  disbursed  to  more  than

1.5 lakh Scheduled Tribe students under  pre and  post-matric  scholarship  schemes  since April, 2025.

60. The state-of-the-art Tribal Research Institute (TRI) Complex at Khimber, Srinagar, is functioning as a dedicated think tank for research, training, and capacity building in tribal
61. Janjatiya Gaurav Divas was celebrated at Mendhar in Poonch District—a frontier border district of India on 15th of November, 2025, to commemorate the 151st birth anniversary of the revered tribal freedom fighter Shri Birsa Over 3,000 participants attended the event, reflecting the rich tribal art, culture, and heritage of the Union Territory.
62. At present, 28 Gujjar & Bakerwal/Scheduled Tribe hostels are operational in the Union Territory, accommodating 2,895 students and providing free boarding, lodging, and education to BPL students from Class VI Additionally, 26 new hostels are under construction across various districts, of which 10 are nearing completion and are expected to become functional during 2025–26.
63. A new flagship initiative has been launched to achieve saturation-level service delivery through 25 key interventions covering health, education, livelihood, and A total of 393 villages across 112 blocks in 20 Districts have been identified for implementation. An amount of

₹47.98  crore  has  been  approved  for  the  year

2025–26 under this scheme.

63. I firmly believe that ensuring the upliftment and development of the last person standing in the last queue is the true measure of inclusive Robust scrutiny of all pension schemes for senior citizens has been ensured.
64. For the welfare of persons with disabilities, several initiatives have been undertaken to make them self-reliant and active contributors to the development Utmost priority has been accorded to the nutrition of children and women, with data of 8.43 lakh beneficiaries uploaded on the Nutrition Tracker for continuous health monitoring. Initiatives such as “Laadli Beti” and the State Marriage Assistance Scheme are restoring dignity, honour, and respect for women in society.
65. During the  financial  year  2025–26,  more  than

10 lakh beneficiaries have received financial assistance under the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) and the Integrated Social Security Scheme (ISSS), covering old-age persons, widows, and persons with disabilities.

66. Sustained efforts to empower rural women have brought about transformative changes in their Around 8 lakh women are associated with

more than 94,000 Self Help Groups (SHGs). Jammu & Kashmir has successfully created 2 lakh Lakhpati   Didis,   achieving   86%   of    the target, enabling them to become self-reliant through micro-enterprises. Additionally, 50 Lakhpati Didis have achieved annual income exceeding ₹10 lakh, emerging as Millionaire Didis. Various training and capacity-building programmes have been organised for over 3,000 Agriculture Community Resource Persons to provide last-mile support to women farmers associated with SHGs. Under the Rural Livelihood Mission, 3,000 micro-startups have been supported in the past year.  Advanced training has also been imparted to 5,000 women entrepreneurs from SHGs to help them scale up their businesses.

67. The digital revolution has imparted fresh momentum to the development of Jammu and Kashmir and has significantly strengthened transparent, accountable, and corruption-free governance in the Union More than 1,500 public services are now available online. To ensure timely service delivery, 391 services have been integrated  with  the  auto-appeal  system.

During the previous year, Jammu and Kashmir recorded 82 crore e-transactions, averaging over

22 lakh electronic transactions per day. Additionally, 128 government services have been integrated with DigiLocker.

68. Aadhaar seeding has been completed for all beneficiaries of welfare schemes, enabling seamless Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) into beneficiaries’ bank During the current financial year, an amount of ₹9,000 crore has been directly transferred to the accounts of  80 lakh beneficiaries under 77 DBT-based schemes. The Government has also formulated a comprehensive Artificial Intelligence (AI) strategy, focusing on key sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, mobility, education, and law enforcement.
69. Jammu and Kashmir is among the fastest-growing States/Union Territories in the GST revenue collections have shown steady growth, increasing from  ₹8,064  crore  in  2023–24  to

₹8,586 crore in 2024–25. Revenue from electric power tariffs has also witnessed a substantial increase of 16 per cent during  2024–25.

70. The Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme, which provides interest-free loans for capital expenditure, has been extended to Jammu and Kashmir from the current financial Under this scheme, ₹1,431 crore has been sanctioned for 222 projects, along with ₹210 crore as the matching share for 12 Centrally Sponsored Schemes. The first instalment of ₹1,083 crore, representing 66 per cent of the sanctioned amount, has already been received.
71. With the support of the Union Territory Government, Jammu and Kashmir Bank has undertaken significant reforms aimed at professionalising management, ensuring merit- based selection of senior leadership, and strengthening its capital These measures have resulted in a remarkable turnaround, with net NPAs declining from 4.89 per cent to 0.85 per cent, and capital adequacy improving from 12.46 per cent to 14.99 per cent between March, 2019 and September, 2025.
72. To secure the future of workers in the unorganised sector, over 15 lakh labourers have been registered on the e-Shram portal. Efforts are underway to extend the benefits of the Pradhan

Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan Yojana to all eligible workers, with more than 78,000 workers already registered. In addition, over 1.27 lakh eligible farmers have been enrolled under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maandhan Yojana.

73. Dear brothers and sisters, I have full faith in the immense potential of our We are committed to creating a conducive environment that enables them to realise their long-term goals and aspirations. The pace of inclusive development in Jammu and Kashmir is unprecedented, and we are determined to strengthen it further through a strong partnership with the people. One of the most serious challenges confronting us today is drug abuse among the youth, and we must  collectively address this menace. For sustainable development, our society must remain united, courageous, and disciplined in confronting those who promote, justify, or condone terrorism. We must decisively dismantle the terror ecosystem and isolate elements that employ double standards to justify acts of violence.

74. I assure every citizen that this Government, with firm resolve, will continue to create and pursue meaningful opportunities for all, enabling every individual to shape their own destiny and realise new
75. I call upon people of all generations to come together and actively support us in building the Jammu and Kashmir of our collective dreams—a Jammu and Kashmir where youth have equal opportunities, where women-led development drives economic growth and social stability, and where unity, peace, and commitment guide us towards a brighter and more prosperous

Once again, I extend my best wishes to all of you on this sacred festival of Republic Day.

Speak with me :

 Bharat Mata ki Jai! Bharat Mata ki Jai! Bharat Mata ki Jai!

Vande Mataram! Vande Mataram! Vande Mataram! Thank You! Jai Hind !