REHABILITATION AND DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES IN JAMMU AND KASHMIR: CURRENT EFFORTS AND FUTURE PROSPECTS

The beautiful locale of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) has long been a central point of political tensions and strife, causing significant challenges for rehabilitation and development. The reports of Relief Office Jammu and Kashmir in the year 1990 declares that 44,167 Kashmiri Migrant families are enlisted who had to move from the valley since 1990 due to security concerns.  Out of them, the tally of enlisted Hindu Migrant families is 39,782. However, concerted endeavours by both the central and local governments have been made to address these issues to rehabiliatate these families back to where they belong and foster economic development and peace in the region.

One of the key focus areas has been the development of infrastructure that incl roads, bridges, and communication system. Ventures just like the construction of the Zojila tunnel, Jammu-Srinagar highway expansion, Surge Administration Works on Jhelum, aim to improve connectivity, livelihood and encourage economic activities. Electrification of Remote Villages has been planned. Under the Roshni Act, the State Government is vesting ownership rights to occupants of State Land for purposes of generating funds to finance Power Projects within the State.

Several initiatives have been propelled to enhance the employability of the local populace, particularly youth. There was a total of 21 Industrial Training Institutes (ITI’s) and 2 Polytechnics within the State at the time of the creation of the Directorate and with the initiative and diversification of the activities of the Office, the number currently stands at 53 ITI’s and 32 Polytechnics. Skill development programs, vocational training centers, and entrepreneurship schemes have been implemented to create sustainable livelihood opportunities. Under the Himayat scheme, which is a placement linked market driven skill training program, the unemployed youth of J & K are being embedded with entrepreneurial skills. Up to 30,000 youth of J&K are being prepared under this project.

J&K’s breath-taking landscapes make it a prime destination for tourism. Efforts to promote tourism include developing tourist infrastructure, conservation of heritage sites, and promotion campaigns to draw maximum domestic and worldwide guests. Projects like the Jammu Ropeway over the Tawi river connecting Peer Kho to Mahamaya Temple and Bahu Fort, Patnitop Ropeway venture, Traveller Facilities at Anantnag, Kishtwar, Pahalgam-Daksum-Ranjit Sagar dam circuit are a few to name.

Access to quality healthcare is fundamental for human development. Emergency Medical Service project includes a well-equipped free ambulance service in Bandipora and Baramulla districts to transport patients to the nearest clinics and government hospitals and referral of complicated cases to well-equipped healing centres. Swift response to critical medical needs is made accessible, particularly amid night hours in respective districts to take care of the fundamental needs of patients. The venture, backed by Godrej & Boyce too incorporates periodic health awareness camps which includes health education sessions providing relevant information about how to deal with fundamental health issues and hygiene. Medical Colleges have been opened up in Rajouri, Baramulla & Anantnag.

Education is the foundation for development and growth as a society. Investments have been made to improve the overall educational infrastructure within the State. Government has introduced schemes like Shagun Shiksha, Sarva Shiksha, Inclusive Education of disabled at Secondary and Aspirational District Program to improve the quality of education in the State. Twenty-two new degree colleges have been constructed. IIM Jammu & IIMC Jammu are also paving way for a developed nation.

Ensuring peace and security is fundamental for the success of any development initiative. The government has focused upon reinforcing security measures, engaging with local communities, and starting confidence-building measures to create a conducive environment for development to set its foot.

The Council for Rehabilitation of Widows, Orphans, Handicapped & Old Persons in Jammu and Kashmir provides physical, psychological and financial rehabilitation. The Scheme will apply to the dependent family member of a government employee who passes away in harness; retires on invalid annuity; martyred as a result of militancy related action or due to enemy action on the Line of Control or International Border within Jammu and Kashmir. Special Jobs for the Kashmiri migrant youth under the PM package have been an imperative component for rehabilitation of Kashmiri migrants. A total of nearly 6000 posts have been announced and nearly 3800 migrant candidates have returned to the Valley in the last few years to take up these jobs. Post Supreme Court’s verdict on repeal of Article 370, as many as 520 migrant candidates have returned to Kashmir for taking up these jobs. Moreover, assistance in form of Rs. 7.5 Lakhs for repairing their fully or partially damaged house, Rs. 2 Lakh for dilapidated/unused houses, Rs. 7.5 Lakh for purchase/construction of a new house in group housing societies for those who have sold their properties during the period after 1989 and before the enactment of JK Migrant Immovable Property Preservation, Protection and Restraint of Distress Sale 1997.

J&K’s strategic location and natural resources present plentiful openings for investment across various sectors such as tourism, agriculture, horticulture, and renewable energy. Encouraging private investment through incentives and policy changes can spur economic development and create employment opportunities.

There is a growing recognition of the importance of sustainable development in J & K. Future initiatives should prioritize environmental conservation, renewable energy adoption, and inclusive growth to ensure long-term prosperity without compromising the region’s natural beauty and ecological balance. Empowering local communities by involving them in decision-making processes and implementing decentralized governance structures can foster a sense of ownership and promote inclusive development. Initiatives that prioritize the participation of women, minorities, and marginalized groups are crucial for building a more equitable society.

Addressing the root causes of conflict and promoting reconciliation among various stakeholders are essential for long-term peace and stability in J&K. Dialogue, confidence-building measures, and efforts to address grievances can pave the way for lasting peace and enable sustainable development to thrive.

In conclusion, while the challenges facing Jammu and Kashmir are complex and multifaceted, concerted efforts by all stakeholders can pave the way for its rehabilitation and development. By building on current initiatives and embracing future prospects, J&K can realize its full potential as a vibrant and prosperous region.

Ideas, Opinions and Views expressed in articles are Writer’s own and may not be in accord with those of The Morn