SRINAGAR: As Jammu and Kashmir prepares for its forthcoming Assembly elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has unveiled its manifesto, Sankalp Patra outlining its vision for transforming the region into a Viksit Jammu and Kashmir. The manifesto was released in jammu in the presence of Home Minister, Amit Shah.
The document addresses key areas including security, infrastructure, youth empowerment, and women’s welfare, reinforcing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s development-focused agenda.
The BJP has highlighted its success in reducing terrorism in the region, noting a 75 percent drop in terror-related incidents following the abrogation of Article 370. The manifesto proudly claims that organised stone-pelting incidents have ceased since 2022. The party promises to sustain this progress by bolstering security measures, strengthening border security, and engaging communities to create a “terror-free Jammu and Kashmir.”
Additionally, a white paper will be issued on the 40,000 killings that have occurred in JK over the past three decades, with responsibility assigned.
The BJP also commits to enhancing the honorarium for Village Defence Guards, providing them with automatic weapons, and strengthening community bunkers to ensure safety during cross-border tensions.
The party emphasises economic empowerment, with plans to attract investments and develop industries in Jammu and Kashmir. Jammu will be developed as a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) with an IT hub to boost the local economy. BJP has already attracted investment proposals worth Rs 80,000 crore, focusing on high-growth sectors such as tourism, IT, and agro-based industries.
To support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), the manifesto outlines the creation of policies to address challenges faced by 7,000 existing MSME units in accessing land and public utilities. The party also promises initiatives to regularise lease deeds for small traders.
A central theme in the BJP’s manifesto is women’s empowerment. The manifesto highlights schemes like the Maa Samman Yojana, which will provide Rs 18,000 per year to the senior-most woman in every household. Additionally, it promises two free LPG cylinders annually to Ujjwala beneficiaries and assistance to Women Self Help Groups (SHGs) in securing loans.
Besides, the BJP pledges to provide leadership training for women in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) to enhance their role in local governance. The manifesto includes plans for establishing women’s cells at the SDPO level, increasing female representation in the police force, and introducing safety programmes to encourage women to report crimes.
Youth empowerment remains a priority for the BJP, with a promise to create 5 lakh jobs under the Pandit Prem Nath Dogra Rozgar Yojana. The party aims to support students with a Rs 3,000 yearly travel allowance under the Pragati Shiksha Yojana and plans to provide tablets and laptops to students in remote areas. The manifesto also highlights scholarships and financial support for civil service aspirants, with Rs 10,000 provided for coaching fees.
BJP also proposes the establishment of a Tribal University in Rajouri-Poonch and a National Law University in Jammu. Expanding higher education infrastructure, particularly for women, remains a key promise.
The manifesto reflects BJP’s commitment to modernising agriculture in Jammu and Kashmir. The party plans to increase the financial assistance provided to farmers under the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi to Rs 10,000 annually. Reduced electricity tariffs and the modernisation of irrigation systems are among the key steps planned to support the agricultural sector. Additionally, initiatives to promote organic farming and high-value crops like saffron, apples, and walnuts are part of the comprehensive agricultural development strategy.
With a goal to make Jammu and Kashmir the “Crown Jewel of Tourism,” the manifesto emphasises infrastructural development with a focus on tourism and connectivity. Major projects include the completion of the Zojila tunnel and the development of Dal Lake as a world-class tourist destination.
The BJP also commits to improving rural connectivity by constructing 10,000 km of new rural roads, enhancing hydropower capacity, and expanding Jammu’s airport.
