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Dear Friend,

Greetings from the Embassy of India in Washington DC!

Welcome to the special edition of our newsletter on the developments in Jammu and Kashmir.

I hope you will find it useful.

-- Shambhu Hakki, First Secretary (Political & PIC) & Spokesperson
One year of Development and Governance in
Jammu & Kashmir
Prime Minister Modi Lauds Jammu and Kashmir Women For Work Fighting COVID-19
Prime Minister Modi lauded the local residents of Jammu and Kashmir, especially two women sarpanches, for their effective work in fighting coronavirus. Prime Minister Modi noted that India’s rural regions became a beacon of guidance for the entire country during the coronavirus pandemic.
Kashmiri Youth Take Advantage of Prime Ministers Employment Generation Programme to Combat Covid-19
The Prime Ministers Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) is a credit-linked subsidy programme aimed at generating self-employment opportunities through the establishment of micro-enterprises in the non-farm sector by helping traditional artisans and unemployed youth. One young Kashmiri, Zahoor Ahmad, used the funds to establish a garment-manufacturing center which produced 80,000 face masks.
High-Tech Housing in Jammu and Kashmir Boosts Vegetable Cultivation
New high-tech poly-houses constructed by the Jammu and Kashmir government in Srinagar are boosting vegetable cultivation. Zahoor Ahmad, Agricultural Assistant of the Kitchen Garden scheme said, “with the new equipment, we can grow fresh vegetables at night and even during the off-season.”
Infrastructure Projects in Srinagar Prove Essential and Popular
From 2013 to 2019, the Government of India completed numerous infrastructure projects in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, that have had a dramatic effect on everyday life. Projects including expanded roads, new bridges, new housing, new hospitals, new libraries, new power plants, improved access to clean water, and architectural maintenance have dramatically improved the lives of Kashmiris.
Kashmir's Farhana Bhat Makes Mark In Bollywood
Bollywood actor Farhana Bhat is a budding artiste who hails from the Kashmir Valley. She shot to fame from the 2018-film 'Laila Majnu', which was directed by Imtiaz Ali's brother Sajid Ali. Bhat said that the Kashmiri youth is extremely talented, but lack the right platform for showcasing its talent. She wants to provide budding singers and artists with a platform so that they are able to fulfil their dreams.
The Prime Minister's Development Package Helps Farmers in Jammu and Kashmir
The Prime Minister's Development Package (PMDP), announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2015 for Jammu and Kashmir, has proved to be a lifeline for the farmers in the Union Territory as the horticulture department has set up apple orchards in Anantnag district to help increase the apple production.
 Young Kashmiri’s Join Fight Against COVID-19 and Earn Livelihood
In a significant contribution in the fight against COVID-19, youth trained under Pradhan Mantri Kushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) are preparing masks and PPEs at a local institute in Jammu and Kashmir's Ganderbal district.
Article 370 Abrogation After One Year: Violence in Jammu and Kashmir Declines Dramatically
Since Article 370 was revoked in 2019, violence in Jammu and Kashmir has dropped precipitously, specifically stone-throwing. Indian Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane said, “the situation has improved. The incidents of violence, be it stone-pelting, terrorist-related violence, all have seen a sharp decline. There is no doubt about this.”
Optimism Soars in Jammu and Kashmir, Plummets in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir
A joint study conducted by Professor Dheeraj Sharma, Director of Indian Institute of Management, Rohtak and Professor Farah Arif of the Lahore University of Management Sciences has highlighted a contrasting picture of lifestyle in Kashmir and Pakistan occupied Kashmir. According to the survey, more people in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are optimistic about their future as compared to people in Pakistan occupied Kashmir. Moreover, a large number of people living on the Indian side of the Line of Control believe that better things will happen to them compared to their parents' generation.
Construction of Mega Lift Irrigation Project in Jammu and Kashmir Underway
Local villagers hailed this step taken by the government as it will resolve irrigation problems faced in summer due to the drought-like seasonal situation. The project also provides ample employment opportunities to local laborers.
Kishanganga Hydroelectric Power Project Lights Up Jammu and Kashmir
The Kishanganga hydroelectric power project, has provided the Jammu and Kashmir with 85.12 million units of free power worth $4.5 million. Projects like Kishanganga have also brought about other benefits like access to low-cost healthcare, imparting new skills, local area development, road connectivity and employment.
Jammu and Kashmir’s Lieutenant Governor Kicks Off 49 Projects Worth Over $10 Million
The projects are aimed to bolster power distribution infrastructure throughout Jammu and Kashmir. The projects will improve the power supply to over 31,00 domestic homes and businesses as well as 300 industrial sites, 40 villages, 200 hotels, and 60 government buildings.
Good Governance, More Jobs Part of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh’s Integration Into India
In the past year, Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh have seen a massive drive for good governance, including a huge recruitment initiative to fill up 10,000 advertised positions. Large infrastructure projects in roads and power generation have been set up, along with new medical colleges and other educational institutions.
Dignity and Rights Get Restored in Jammu and Kashmir
Since the abrogation of Article 370 in the summer of 2019, Kashmiri’s have enjoyed expanded rights and, in turn, a rejuvenated sense of dignity. Manish Adhikari, a Kashmiri business owner, said, “August 5 was the happiest day of my life as Parliament’s decision restored the dignity and rights of our community,”
Keran Village in Jammu and Kashmir Receives Electricity for the First Time Since Independence
Keran village is the final village along the Line of Control in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district. Located on the banks of the Kishanganga river, Keran village now has access to electricity twenty-four hours a day.
World’s Highest Bridge Nears Completion
The world’s highest railway bridge over the river Chenab in Jammu and Kashmir will be ready by next year and will connect the Valley with the rest of India by train for the first time by 2022. The bridge, which has a central span of 467 metres, is being built at a height of 359 metres from the bed level
Families in Jammu and Kashmir Receive Health Coverage
The health assurance program known as Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) was launched in Jammu and Kashmir on December 1, 2018. The program has provided comprehensive financial protections worth more than $500,000 for over 700,000 families.
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