Srinagar: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh on Saturday said the integration and mainstreaming of Jammu and Kashmir under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has triggered a visible aspirational surge among women in the region, reflected in rising self-confidence, competitiveness and growing leadership across diverse sectors.
Addressing “Shakti Samwad”, an interactive meeting with State Women Commissions organised by the National Commission for Women (NCW) at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar, the Union Minister said women from Jammu and Kashmir are increasingly emerging as equal stakeholders in India’s growth story.
Dr. Jitendra Singh, who holds independent charge of the Ministry of Science and Technology and Earth Sciences besides portfolios in the PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, said the last decade has witnessed a “democratisation of opportunities” for women in Jammu and Kashmir.
He said women are now excelling in competitive examinations, startups, self-help groups, science and technology sectors, and public service, adding that society must adapt to this transformation as women increasingly move from participation to leadership roles.
The programme was led by National Commission for Women 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.
The event focused on strengthening institutional coordination among women commissions, enhancing grassroots outreach, sharing best practices and promoting women’s safety, dignity and equal opportunities across the country.
Dr. Jitendra Singh appreciated the NCW for taking institutional engagement beyond policy discussions and directly connecting with women at the grassroots level. Referring to the decision to organise the national-level interaction in Srinagar, he said it reflected the importance being accorded to Jammu and Kashmir and its women power.
He expressed confidence that the “Shakti Samwad” initiative would further accelerate the participation of women from the region in India’s developmental journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047.
Recalling Jammu and Kashmir’s rich cultural legacy, the Minister referred to iconic Kashmiri women personalities like Lal Ded and Habba Khatoon, saying they played a historic role in shaping Kashmir’s spiritual and cultural ethos through literature and social influence.
The Minister also spoke about the hardships faced by women during decades of terrorism and instability in Jammu and Kashmir. He said many families suffered deep emotional and social losses during the turbulent years, but the improving security and developmental environment in recent years has opened new opportunities for women to reconnect with the national mainstream.
Referring to the abrogation of Article 370, Dr. Jitendra Singh said women in Jammu and Kashmir are now receiving the same benefits and opportunities available to women across the rest of the country. He highlighted flagship welfare schemes including Ujjwala Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Mudra Yojana and the Lakhpati Didi programme, saying these initiatives have significantly improved financial independence, living standards and self-confidence among women.
He said the impact of these interventions is visible in the increasing presence of women in civil services, scientific research, engineering and space technology, where they are now leading major national missions through merit and capability.
The Minister also cited examples of young girls from remote districts of Jammu and Kashmir excelling in national-level competitive examinations despite limited resources and difficult circumstances. He said technology-driven access to education and information has enabled talented youth from remote regions to compete confidently on national platforms.
Highlighting the role of the Ministry of Science and Technology in promoting women in STEM fields, Dr. Jitendra Singh referred to initiatives such as Vigyan Jyoti and WISE-KIRAN aimed at encouraging girls and women to pursue careers in science, innovation and research. He added that special provisions have also been introduced to support women scientists resuming their professional careers after family-related breaks.
Calling the transformation in Jammu and Kashmir part of India’s broader vision of inclusive development and women-led progress, the Minister said women from the region are now moving ahead with confidence, ambition and a stronger sense of participation in the country’s future.
