Srinagar: Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Sunday called for greater grassroots engagement with people in Kashmir, saying the Valley’s youth are increasingly aspirational and seeking to participate in the country’s development process.
Addressing the Jammu and Kashmir BJP State Office Bearers’ meeting at Nowgam here, Singh said sustained interaction with citizens, particularly young people, was necessary to better understand their aspirations and ensure that the benefits of development reached them effectively.
The minister said Jammu and Kashmir was witnessing changes marked by growing development and improved opportunities. He said young people from the Valley were increasingly making their mark in competitive examinations, higher education, entrepreneurship and the private sector.
Singh said the aspirations of the younger generation should be matched with continued engagement and outreach. He stressed that stronger grassroots contact would help connect people more closely with the development process and address their expectations and concerns.
Referring to governance initiatives, Singh said welfare schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and Ujjwala had been implemented on the basis of eligibility without discrimination.
He also said peace and development were closely linked, adding that an environment of peace creates conditions for growth while development generates confidence and opportunities among people.
Drawing on his experience in the North-East, the minister said direct interaction with citizens had helped build trust and confidence, and a similar approach would be beneficial in Jammu and Kashmir.
Singh expressed confidence that the aspirations of the youth and the pace of development in Jammu and Kashmir would contribute to the Union Territory’s future growth.
The meeting was attended by J&K BJP president Sat Sharma, BJP General Secretary (Organisation) Ashok Koul, Rajya Sabha MP Ghulam Ali Khatana, former deputy chief minister Nirmal Singh and other party leaders.
