Srinagar: Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Sunday said the mainstreaming of Jammu and Kashmir under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has led to a visible aspirational surge among women, reflected in rising self-confidence, competitiveness and leadership across sectors.
He said women from Jammu and Kashmir are increasingly emerging as equal stakeholders in India’s growth story and are excelling in competitive examinations, startups, self-help groups, science, technology and public service.
The Minister was addressing “Shakti Samwad”, an interactive meeting with State Women Commissions organised by the National Commission for Women at Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre.
The event was led by NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar and attended by Additional Secretary NCW B. Radhika Chakravarthy, senior officials, members of State Women Commissions and representatives from various states and Union Territories.
Dr Jitendra Singh said the last decade witnessed a democratisation of opportunities, enabling women to move from participation to leadership roles across professions and institutions.
He said the changing landscape requires a corresponding shift in societal mindset as women are increasingly leading from the front in almost every field.
The Minister appreciated the NCW for expanding institutional engagement beyond conference halls and directly connecting with women at the grassroots level.
Referring to the national-level interaction in Srinagar, he said the initiative sends a strong message about the importance being accorded to Jammu and Kashmir and its women.
Recalling the region’s civilisational legacy, Dr Jitendra Singh referred to historical figures such as Lal Ded and Habba Khatoon, saying they played an important role in shaping Kashmir’s cultural and spiritual ethos.
The Minister said women in Jammu and Kashmir endured immense social and emotional hardship during decades of terrorism and instability, but the improving environment in recent years has created fresh opportunities for them to reconnect with the national mainstream and participate in the region’s developmental transformation.
Referring to the abrogation of Article 370, he said women in Jammu and Kashmir are now increasingly receiving the same opportunities and welfare benefits available elsewhere in the country.
He highlighted schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana and the Lakhpati Didi Scheme, saying these initiatives have improved ease of living, financial independence and self-confidence among women.
Dr Jitendra Singh said the impact of these interventions is visible in the increasing presence of women in civil services, space technology, scientific research and engineering.
He also cited examples of girls from remote districts of Jammu and Kashmir succeeding in national-level examinations despite limited resources and challenging circumstances.
Highlighting initiatives of the Ministry of Science and Technology, he referred to programmes such as Vigyan Jyoti and WISE-KIRAN aimed at encouraging girls and women to pursue careers in science, research and innovation.
The Minister said the transformation taking place in Jammu and Kashmir reflects the larger national vision of inclusive development and women-led progress, adding that women from the region are moving forward with confidence as active participants in India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047.
