KATHUA, May 24, 2026 : Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Sunday said that the abrogation of Article 370 brought a major developmental transformation in Jammu and Kashmir and also triggered a significant change in the mindset of the people.
Dr Singh was addressing a training camp organised under the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Prashikshan Mahabhiyan–2026 at Lakhanpur in Kathua district.
Highlighting the changes witnessed in Jammu and Kashmir under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Union Minister said the removal of Article 370 gave people a renewed sense of belonging as equal citizens of India.
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“The abrogation of Article 370 brought not only developmental transformation in Jammu & Kashmir but also a profound change in mindset, giving people the feeling of belonging as equal citizens of India,” Dr Singh said.
He added that the move resulted in enhanced self-confidence, self-esteem and aspirational growth among the people of the Union Territory.
According to the Minister, youth in Jammu and Kashmir have increasingly overcome fear and are now excelling in different fields across the country.
Recalling the passage of the legislation related to Article 370, Dr Singh described it as a historic moment that ushered in a new era of transformation in the region.
He termed Article 370 inconsistent with democratic values and alleged that it had enabled exploitation by vested interests for decades.
The Minister pointed out that although interviews for several government jobs were abolished nationally in 2016, the reform could not initially be implemented in Jammu and Kashmir because of Article 370.
He also referred to what he described as earlier regional discrimination and said people are now witnessing positive changes across the Union Territory.
Speaking on governance reforms since 2014, Dr Singh said India had moved from an atmosphere of pessimism and corruption towards optimism, development and nation-building.
“The last 12 years have significantly enhanced India’s value and standing,” he remarked.
Paying tribute to Syama Prasad Mookerjee, the Minister said the Modi Government honoured his legacy by naming the Chenani–Nashri Tunnel after him, describing it as the first major infrastructure project in Jammu and Kashmir to bear his name.
Listing development initiatives in Kathua and across Jammu and Kashmir, Dr Singh highlighted the proposed Biotech Park in Kathua, saying it would support around 25 entrepreneurs and create employment opportunities.
He also noted that three of the 14 medical colleges established in Jammu and Kashmir are located in Kathua district.
The Minister further highlighted the establishment of two All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) institutions in the Union Territory and said the Centre had given special developmental priority to Jammu and Kashmir.
On sports infrastructure, he said efforts are underway to establish an international stadium at Hiranagar on nearly 300 kanals of land in coordination with the J&K administration.
Dr Singh also praised the success of the Aroma Mission in Jammu and Kashmir, stating that it has opened new opportunities for livelihood generation and entrepreneurship.
He further informed that a proposed 3000 MW power project in Kishtwar is expected to become one of the country’s largest power generation projects.
Calling the present phase of governance both a matter of pride and responsibility, Dr Singh urged citizens to utilise the opportunities created through good governance and contribute collectively towards the vision of Viksit Bharat.
He expressed confidence that future generations would look back with pride at the developmental work being undertaken during the current period.
