Opinion | Expectations from the new Government in Jammu and Kashmir.

The much-awaited grassroots-level public representation has set huge expectations from the new government, for which people voted overwhelmingly in the elections.

The new government in Jammu and Kashmir needs to be marked as the turning point in this region’s history. Famed for its beauty in its physical environment, its traditions, and resilient people, J&K stands on the intersection of development. The elected representatives who took charge of the UT are expected to open new possibilities for people in achieving their dreams. Among the most noble desires of the people is the regaining of a democratic government for which India has taken a significant step regarding J&K, which they argue strengthens India’s democratic framework and national unity. For more than four decades, Jammu and Kashmir has remained a focal point of political controversies and changes culminating in scrapping Article 370 in 2019. The tyranny of the moment is the need for a clear, responsible and a democratic system of government. The residents of J&K look forward to the development of a strong economy in their respective UT. In many ways the region’s future has been told in the past by conflict, dynasty politics and unrest, but the recent decade has been a shift for J&K as the place witnessed a speedy development and the same is expected from the new government.
As tourism forms the main source of income for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, under the Lieutenant Governor (LG) rule in kashmir, the tourism experienced a significant growth with developing infrastructure and improved security and safety of the people. Destinations like Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Srinagar saw huge tourist rush, boosted by events like G20 meeting and revival of traditional crafts. The emphasis of the administration has been connectivity, sanitation, and eco-friendly tourism, making the region more accessible and appealing to visitors. As the people anticipate a new elected government, they hope for sustained momentum in tourism development, with policies that address local employment, sustainable practices, and cultural preservation, ensuring the sector becomes a robust driver of economic growth and stability. Considering the geographical location and the topography of J&K it is possible to turn this place into an investment destination. People look for those policies related to industries, which utilize the local skills like handicrafts, textile, and food industries etc. New measures to encourage private sector investment are also expected. There is no doubt that agricultural and horticultural lands in J&K are fertile land and the region is famous for producing saffron, apples, walnuts and almonds across the globe. The facilities look forward to a change in farming techniques, improved means of irrigation and direct sales of their produce. The new government is expected to increase these sectors through credit and other policies that will favor the farmers, financial assistance, and better transportation facilities. The population anticipates new measures which would help upgrade educational facilities, incorporate information technologies into the learning process, and adopt competitive curricula of the world. Courses meeting skills demands of such sectors as tourism, information technology, social work and handicraft are also important. Such outcomes can help the youth and equip them to explore job opportunities within the region as well as other cosmopolitan areas.
Over the years, people of the J&K have seen healthcare facilities improving and getting accessible to every person irrespective of their financial status as insurance, golden card, Aabha card have been issued making healthcare affordable to all. Upgradation and continuity of the same public facilities are expected and desired from the new government. Expectations include the improvement of the hospitals, the facilities at primary health centers, and other specialized healthcare centers for mental disorder, maternal care, and chronic ailments.
Most importantly, if the society wants to grow and develop economically, there is a need to establish peace and a dream of continuity of peace and stability everywhere in J&K that will enable people to realize themselves and reach their full potential. Thus, the continuity of development, improvement of trade, and active tourism are impossible without the absence of conflict. The people always hope for the schools, businesses and markets to open without being threatened and want J&K to be economically developed.
Jammu and Kashmir has great prospects and a young and active hope for organizational leadership. The dreams of these young people are hence premised on ‘’ hope’’ of employment, entrepreneurial activities and being involved in governance. It will be interesting to see what new government concentrates in the field to provide young people with opportunities for skills enhancement, productiveness, and direction. From supporting the new-found entrepreneurship to staging cultural and sports competitions as well as honoring youth’s dreams, developing the environment that would enable these values is crucial. The women of J&K want a larger role in education, employment and decision-making. The forthcoming government needs to take the leadership and promote their standing by filling the gaps for the rights of women; increased and developed security; and implementing programmes meant for them. The general areas of concern include vocational training and education, financial independence and women participation in economic activities and leadership in governance. Such measures may be useful to guarantee the effective participation of women in the formation of the future of the region.
The call of unity has always been a popular desire among the people of J&K. Nonetheless, people believe in the concept of a unified society no matter geographical location or culture. The new government has a chance to develop this unity by providing fair conditions of prosperity and recognizing the individuality of every community.
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