SRINAGAR, Aug 23: Union Minister of State Dr Jitendra Singh on Sunday said Kashmir's youth are highly aspirational and eager to be part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's growth story, while calling for stronger grassroots engagement with people across the Valley.
Addressing the J&K BJP State Office Bearers’ Meet at Nowgam here, Singh said the changing environment in Jammu and Kashmir had created new opportunities, particularly for young people seeking education, professional growth, entrepreneurship and employment.
He said the youth of Kashmir were increasingly making their presence felt in competitive examinations, higher education and the private sector, reflecting their desire to build a better future.
Singh stressed the need for sustained interaction with citizens to understand their aspirations and concerns and ensure that the benefits of development reach people effectively.
He said peace and development reinforce each other, with a peaceful environment creating conditions for faster growth while development generates greater confidence and opportunities among people.
The Union Minister also highlighted the Government's welfare and development initiatives, saying schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and Ujjwala were being implemented on the basis of eligibility rather than political or social considerations.
Drawing on his experience of working in the North-East, Singh said direct engagement with people at the grassroots helped build trust and a better understanding of their needs. He said a similar approach was important in Jammu and Kashmir.
He emphasised that the aspirations of Kashmir's young population represented a major opportunity for the Union Territory and called for greater access to education, professional opportunities and entrepreneurship.
J&K BJP president Sat Sharma, General Secretary (Organisation) Ashok Koul, Rajya Sabha MP Ghulam Ali Khatana, former Deputy Chief Minister Dr Nirmal Singh and other senior party leaders and office-bearers attended the meeting.
