Union Minister of State in PMO Dr Jitendra Singh Saturday reiterated that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi prioritised infrastructural development in J&K and his government Modi govt accelerated integration of Kashmir with improved connectivity including rail network.
He was speaking to the media after presiding over the launching ceremony of the Jammu and Kashmir chapter of the “Dr Ambedkar Chamber of Commerce” here in an event at Jammu University.
Announcing that the Vande Bharat Express service between Jammu and Srinagar would commence from 30 April, he informed, “The number of coaches in the train has also been increased to 20 instead of the current 8.”
Dr Jitendra expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi for prioritising infrastructure development in Jammu and Kashmir.
He noted that while the rail network had reached Jammu in 1962, expansion remained stalled for several decades.
“Renewed efforts in recent years have accelerated progress, resulting in improved connectivity and integration of the Kashmir valley with the rest of the country,” he said.
Earlier Dr Jitendra, who is also the Union Minister of State (independent charge) for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences besides being the MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, launched the J&K chapter of the “Dr Ambedkar Chamber of Commerce.”
He called for developing entrepreneurship mindset and an investment-oriented approach among Scheduled Caste (SC) community and other weaker sections of society to avail benefits of schemes rolled out by the Narendra Modi government.
Addressing the gathering in Jammu University, Dr Jitendra stated that the government created a wholesome system for weaker sections, including SCs and STs for handholding and supporting them right from the early age. He underlined that members of marginalised sections should move beyond reliance solely on government employment and actively explore opportunities in entrepreneurship and enterprise development.
Highlighting the initiatives of the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said that a series of targetted schemes were introduced with a central focus on the upliftment of weaker sections of society.
He termed Jan Dhan scheme as a financial inclusion initiative and described MUDRA loan scheme as a transformative step in enabling access to credit. He also referred to the Vishwakarma Yojana, aimed at preserving traditional crafts while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities.
Dr Jitendra stated that statistical evidence reflected the positive impact of these schemes on the socio-economic advancement of Dalits and other marginalised groups.
He noted a visible rise in aspirations among these communities, pointing out that candidates from humble backgrounds were increasingly succeeding in competitive examinations, including civil services. He also referred to the elevation of an Adivasi (Scheduled Tribe) woman as the President of India, a reflection of social empowerment.
The Union Minister emphasised the importance of creating greater awareness about government welfare schemes to ensure maximum outreach and benefit. He highlighted initiatives such as Vigyan Jyoti, aimed at promoting scientific temper and innovation among girls.
Referring to regional efforts, Dr Jitendra mentioned Khadi promotion camps organised in Udhampur district, where subsidies amounting to Rs 50 Cr were distributed in a single day.
He noted that beneficiaries largely came from the Kashmir valley and stressed the need to expand awareness about such opportunities.
Dr Jitendra Singh further listed several schemes supporting marginalized communities, including pre-matric and post-matric scholarships for SCs, STs and OBCs, Dr Ambedkar scholarships, National Fellowship for OBCs in biotechnology, inclusivity grants under the National Research Foundation (Anusandhan), Rozgar Melas providing employment opportunities, Venture Capital Fund for SCs and OBCs and the Ambedkar Innovation and Incubation Mission.
He also highlighted region-specific initiatives such as the Aroma Mission, which provided alternative and sustainable livelihood opportunities and Science Technology Innovation Hubs, where a significant proportion of beneficiaries were from SC communities.
