Jammu, Mar 15: Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale on Sunday said that development in Jammu and Kashmir has accelerated following the abrogation of Article 370, attributing the progress to increased investment, improved infrastructure and various government initiatives.
Addressing a press conference here, Athawale said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, significant improvements have been made in road and rail connectivity in the Union Territory, which have improved mobility and boosted economic activities in the region.
Highlighting welfare initiatives in the Union Territory, the Minister said that as of March 2026, around 24.37 lakh bank accounts have been opened under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana in Jammu and Kashmir, with funds amounting to ₹1,754.25 crore released between 2014 and 2026 to promote financial inclusion.
Athawale further said that around 25.09 lakh loans amounting to ₹54,267.91 crore have been sanctioned under the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana between 2015 and 2026, benefiting a large number of entrepreneurs in the Union Territory.
He added that around 35,000 houses costing ₹586 crore have been constructed in Jammu and Kashmir under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) between 2016 and 2026.
Under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, funds amounting to ₹3,638 crore have been provided between 2018 and 2026, benefiting around 19.73 lakh people, he said, adding that ₹94 lakh has also been released for 13 old-age homes in Jammu and Kashmir between 2023 and 2025.
Highlighting India’s economic progress, the Minister said the country has moved from being the 10th largest economy to the fourth largest in the world and is expected to soon become the third largest economy.
He said initiatives such as the Make in India programme and continued support to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) have helped boost domestic manufacturing, production and exports.
Athawale also said that the government will initiate a caste-based census to better understand the socio-economic conditions of different communities, adding that the Scheduled Caste population constitutes around 16.6 per cent of the country’s population.
The Minister also said that persons with disabilities (Divyangjan) in Jammu and Kashmir are now receiving reservation benefits following the abrogation of Article 370, ensuring greater access to opportunities and social justice.
Responding to queries on global developments, Athawale said fuel supply could be impacted due to the ongoing conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran. However, he said the government has adequate fuel stock and is taking necessary steps to ensure uninterrupted supply. (PIB)
