JAMMU, June 22, 2026 : Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh on Monday said that the growing aspirations among the youth of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in smaller towns and districts, have been driven by the democratization of opportunities across India over the past decade and a renewed sense of belonging following the constitutional changes of August 5, 2019.
Speaking at an award ceremony in Jammu to felicitate Class 10 and 12 toppers from schools across the Jammu region, Dr Singh highlighted the remarkable rise of talent, entrepreneurship, and academic excellence emerging from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities across the country.
He noted that Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing a similar transformation, with young achievers making their mark in competitive examinations, startups, and entrepreneurship.
“A similar trend is being witnessed in Jammu & Kashmir where Poonch produced the 11th All India topper in the Civil Services Examination, while successful agri-startups and entrepreneurs are emerging from districts like Doda and Budgam,” the Minister said.
Dr Singh attributed this aspirational surge in the Union Territory to the increased sense of integration and equal opportunity experienced by the youth after the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019.
According to him, the constitutional changes helped remove psychological barriers that had long created a sense of separation from the rest of the country.
The Union Minister also highlighted the rapid growth of India’s startup ecosystem, stating that nearly 50 percent of the country’s 2.30 lakh startups are now based in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, reflecting the spread of entrepreneurship beyond major metropolitan centres.
He further pointed out that 35 to 40 percent of startups are women-led, underscoring the growing role of women in India’s innovation and economic development.
Dr Singh observed that the Civil Services landscape is also changing significantly, with top-performing candidates increasingly emerging from smaller towns and rural districts rather than traditional urban centres.
Emphasizing the role of technology in democratizing opportunities, he said India’s more than 100 crore smartphone users now have unprecedented access to educational resources, skill development platforms, and employment opportunities regardless of their location.
Referring to recent success stories from Jammu and Kashmir, the Minister cited candidates from districts such as Poonch, Rajouri, and Kishtwar who have excelled in competitive examinations, demonstrating the growing reach of quality education and digital learning tools.
Dr Singh described these developments as part of a larger socio-economic transformation taking place across the country, where talent and excellence are flourishing in every corner of India.
He said the past twelve years of the Modi Government have focused on ensuring that opportunities are no longer limited by geography, social background, or privilege, enabling young people to compete and succeed on an equal footing.
Highlighting the impact of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, Dr Singh said the policy has empowered students by providing greater flexibility in choosing subjects according to their interests, talents, and career aspirations.
He also referred to initiatives such as the Vigyan Jyoti mentorship programme, which encourages young girls to pursue careers in science, innovation, and technology through guidance and mentorship.
Calling upon students to dream big and actively contribute to nation-building, Dr Jitendra Singh expressed confidence that India’s youth will play a pivotal role in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
“The aspirations, talent, and energy of the younger generation will be the driving force behind India’s emergence as a developed nation,” he said.
During the event, the Union Minister felicitated Class 10 and 12 toppers from various schools across the Jammu region and congratulated them for their academic achievements.
