Engages Stakeholders in Srinagar for ‘Budget Pe Charcha,’ pledges economic growth, infra boost
WAJAHAT SHABIR
SRINAGAR: Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs and Member of Parliament from Arunachal Pradesh, Kiren Rijiju, on Saturday expressed his deep admiration for Jammu and Kashmir and reiterated his longstanding engagement with the region’s key developmental issues.
Union Minister made these remarks while addressing the media in Srinagar, offering an in-depth briefing on the recently presented Union Budget.
Highlighting the budget’s overarching vision, Rijiju emphasized that it was designed to catalyze India’s development and put the nation on a steadfast path to achieving developed nation status by 2047.
At the outset, the minister expressed his deep admiration for Jammu and Kashmir and reiterated his longstanding engagement with the region’s key developmental issues. He noted that the government has continuously prioritized the economic and infrastructural growth of the Union Territory (UT), aligning it with the national vision of progress.
The minister highlighted that the budget was crafted with special attention to farmers, women, and the middle class. He noted that unprecedented tax relief measures have been introduced for middle-class families, marking a historic milestone in India’s economic policy.
Rijiju outlined the government’s commitment to boosting agricultural exports from Kashmir, stating that the new budget supports policies that will facilitate the export of Kashmiri farm and agricultural products to international markets. He affirmed that the government is working on easing export regulations and providing the necessary infrastructure to enhance market access for Kashmiri produce.
Additionally, he announced the government’s plan to organize a mega exhibition in the coming months showcasing Kashmir’s rich artisan culture.
This initiative aims to provide Kashmiri artisans with a larger platform to display and market their craftsmanship nationally and globally. The minister emphasized that this move aligns with the government’s vision of promoting indigenous industries under the ‘Make in India’ initiative, which he assured would reach new heights in Jammu and Kashmir.
To further nurture innovation, the budget has introduced provisions for setting up Atal Tinkering Labs across educational institutions in Jammu and Kashmir. These labs will provide students with the necessary tools and environment to cultivate and develop innovative ideas, fostering a new generation of entrepreneurs and technologists from the valley.
Rijiju also highlighted the government’s commitment to strengthening the legal infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir. He announced that work on the new High Court building would be expedited, ensuring that the judicial system operates with enhanced efficiency and capacity.
The minister stressed the BJP-led central government’s unwavering focus on Jammu and Kashmir’s development and stated that the Union Territory, particularly the Kashmir Valley, is poised to become one of the most prosperous regions in the country.
“Under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a transformation in governance, infrastructure, and economic growth. This momentum will continue accelerating, ensuring that the valley realizes its full potential,” Rijiju asserted.
After concluding the press conference, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju engaged with key stakeholders in an interactive session at Amar Singh Club.
The “Budget Pe Charcha” event provided a platform for business leaders, industry representatives, and community members to voice their concerns and expectations regarding the recently announced budget.
A wide array of stakeholders from various sectors actively participated in the discussion. Representatives from the Hotel Association, Houseboat Owners Association, Industries & Commerce Association, Tour & Travel Association, Saffron Growers Association, Shawl Weavers Association, Fruit Growers Association, and Farmers Association, along with party workers and other local business entities, were present at the meeting. Their participation underscored the broad spectrum of economic interests tied to the budget’s impact.
During the session, Minister Rijiju elaborated on the budget’s key features, emphasizing its potential to drive economic growth, empower citizens, and contribute to India’s goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047. The stakeholders had the opportunity to raise their concerns and seek clarifications on various aspects of the budget.
Among the primary issues discussed were implementing the Minimum Wages Act, the revival of Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), rehabilitation plans for houseboat owners, and conservation measures for Kashmir’s wetlands. These concerns reflect the region’s economic priorities and the necessity for tailored government policies to address them effectively.
Minister Rijiju assured the stakeholders that their feedback would be conveyed to the relevant authorities for review. He highlighted the government’s commitment to regional development and stressed the importance of public-private collaboration in achieving economic progress.
The minister acknowledged the crucial role the tourism and handicraft industries played in Jammu and Kashmir’s economy.
He assured that the government would explore policy measures to further support these sectors. Discussions also touched upon increasing financial assistance for saffron growers, improving market access for fruit growers, and boosting the industrial sector to enhance employment generation.
Additionally, Rijiju emphasized the importance of sustainable tourism and environmental conservation, particularly focusing on wetland preservation and houseboat rehabilitation. He stated that the government is keen on promoting eco-friendly tourism policies while ensuring the livelihood of local communities remains secure.
