Jammu, Mar 15 (KNO): Asserting that Jammu and Kashmir has seen significant progress since the abrogation of Article 370, Union Minister Ramdas Athawale on Sunday said that enhanced infrastructure has improved mobility and boosted economic activities in the region.
Addressing a news conference here, Athawale, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said, “Centre stands with J&K that has seen significant progress since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. ”
He stated that enhanced infrastructure has improved mobility and boosted economic activities in the region. “Rail connectivity, with better facilities has also expanded, including the introduction of the Vande Bharat Express. The Ministry of Railways continues to work actively on strengthening the railway network,” he added.
Athawale said that development in Jammu and Kashmir has accelerated after the abrogation of Article 370. “Increased investment, improved infrastructure and government initiatives have contributed to greater employment opportunities and faster development in the region,” he said.
He informed that as of March 2026, 24 lakh 37 thousand bank accounts have been opened in the Union Territory under Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, with a fund allocation of 1754.25 crore rupees released from 2014-26, enabling greater financial inclusion. “In addition, 12 lakh 79 thousand gas connections have been allotted in under Pradhan Mantri Ujjawala Yojana Yojana to improve access to clean cooking fuel. He also informed that 25 lakh nine thousand loans, with an allocation of 54267.91 crore rupees have been provided to beneficiaries under Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana from 2015-26,” the Union Minister said, adding, “As many as 35000 houses costing Rs 586 crore have been constructed in J&K under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) from 2016-26 to provide housing for all. Under Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, 3638 crore rupees have been provided from 2018-26, benefiting 19 lakh 73 thousand people. Around 94 lakh rupees have been released for 13 old age homes in Jammu and Kashmir from 2023-25.”
Highlighting India’s economic progress, Athawale stated that the country has moved from being the 10th largest economy to the 4th largest in the world, and is expected to soon become the third largest economy.
He noted that initiatives aimed at strengthening domestic manufacturing, including the Make in India initiative, and continued support for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) have contributed to increased production and exports.
Athawale stated that the government will initiate a caste-based census to better understand the socio-economic conditions of different communities. He noted that the Scheduled Caste population constitutes approximately 16.6 per cent of the country’s population.
The Minister highlighted that persons with disabilities (Divyangjan) in Jammu and Kashmir are now receiving reservation benefits following the abrogation of Article 370, thereby ensuring greater access to opportunities and social justice.
Athawale reiterated the Government’s commitment to inclusive development, social justice and economic progress, while ensuring that the benefits of government initiatives reach all sections of society.
Responding to queries regarding global developments, he stated that fuel supply could be impacted due to the ongoing conflict involving US-Israel and Iran. However, he assured that the government has adequate fuel stock available, and is taking necessary steps to ensure uninterrupted supply—(KNO)