Jammu, February 7, 2026 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday underscored the urgent need for Jammu and Kashmir to fully utilise its vast hydropower potential, saying it is key to the Union Territory’s long-term economic growth and energy security.
Chairing a high-level review meeting on development projects at the Lok Bhawan in Jammu, Shah said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Centre remains firmly committed to building a developed, peaceful and prosperous Jammu and Kashmir.
The nearly two-hour-long meeting was attended by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, DGP Nalin Prabhat, and other senior officials.
“Due to the continuous and dedicated efforts of the Modi government, development projects in Jammu and Kashmir have made unprecedented progress. The Union Territory must harness the full potential of its hydropower resources,” Shah said.
The Home Minister reviewed progress across key sectors, including road infrastructure, power, industry, tourism, 4G and optical fibre connectivity. He stressed the need for 100 per cent saturation of government welfare schemes, ensuring that benefits reach every eligible citizen on the ground.
Shah also emphasised the importance of sports infrastructure and youth engagement, calling for the establishment of sports academies across the region.
“In this regard, efforts will be made to mobilise investments of around ₹200 crore in collaboration with various sports bodies,” he said.
Highlighting economic diversification, Shah said focused efforts should be made to strengthen the dairy sector in Jammu and Kashmir with support from the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB).
In a significant fiscal development, Shah noted that Jammu and Kashmir has been brought under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme for the first time in FY 2025–26, enabling access to 50-year interest-free loans for capital infrastructure projects. He added that fiscal discipline would play a crucial role in stabilising the Union Territory’s fiscal deficit over time.
“India is steadily moving towards the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047, and the government will continue to extend full support to Jammu and Kashmir in achieving this vision,” Shah said.
During his two-day visit, the Home Minister also toured BSF forward posts along the International Border in Kathua, chaired a security review meeting with senior civil and military leadership, met families of police personnel martyred in anti-terror operations, and handed over compassionate appointment letters.
In a post on X, Shah said the BJP will continue working to ensure last-mile delivery of development initiatives and strengthen the organisation to realise the vision of a secure and developed Jammu and Kashmir.
