(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer) All major social welfare schemes- Mission Indradhanush, Old Age Pension, Widow Pension, Disability Pension, Supplementary Nutrition, SC-Pre-Matric Scholarship, SC-Post-Matric Scholarship, Minority Pre-Matric Scholarship, Minority Post-Matric Scholarship, Merit cum Means Minority Scholarship Scheme, Sugar and Food Grain Subsidy, Poshan Abhiyaan, Nutrition Tracker, UJALA, Ujjwala, Saubhagya, PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, Kisan credit card have been saturated to 100% in the last three years.
Under Saubhagya Yojana, 8.57 lakh beneficiaries have been covered by providing electricity connections. Under the Ujjwala scheme, 12.41 lakh rural women have been provided LPG connections and it is being ensured that all sections of the society benefit from the developmental efforts.
Realizing the vision of inclusive growth, the Aspirational Block scheme has been launched in 44 blocks. Jammu and Kashmir is the first UT or state in the country to do so and also the first state or UT in the country to launch District Good Governance Index.
A record 12 million tourists who visited Jammu and Kashmir last year, testify to the overall development and change that has taken place in the Union territory. This is the highest-ever visitor figure the Tourism Department has ever seen.
The long-pending demand of night-flight operation of the residents of Jammu and Kashmir has been fulfilled. 75 offbeat tourist destinations are being developed in Jammu and Kashmir as a part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations. Jammu and Kashmir had been a favoured shooting destination for Bollywood. A comprehensive Film Policy was launched last year to attract filmmakers after decades and within a year of the notification of the policy,
The Educational system of the UT has been overhauled and aligned as per the recommendations of the National Education Policy, 2020. Through the Aao School Chalein campaign, 1.7 lakh students from disadvantaged sections have been brought back to the classrooms. Jammu and Kashmir has secured the first position in the loyalty program of teachers training. In the National Achievement Survey, UT has been ranked No. 1 in primary education and third in middle school education in the country last year.
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G20 Tourism Group Meeting in Jammu and Kashmir
A Milestone for Tourism and Peace
Irfan Mushtaq
The successful conclusion of the G20 Tourism Group meeting in Srinagar marks a significant milestone for tourism in the region and signifies a step towards peace and development. This international event, the first since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, has not only showcased the natural beauty and warm hospitality of Kashmir but also demonstrated the growing confidence of the international community in the Union Territory (UT).
The G20 meeting witnessed the highest-ever participation compared to previous meetings, with representatives from all G20 countries attending alongside delegates from around a dozen other nations. The delegates were mesmerized by the picturesque landscape of Kashmir and praised the hospitality extended to them by the local people.
The decision to hold the G20 meeting in Kashmir has proved to be beneficial for the region. Local trade association heads believe that the event has conveyed a positive message about the region to foreign nations, inspiring confidence among potential foreign tourists. The UT administration, the Centre Government, and the people of Jammu and Kashmir deserve commendation for their efforts in making the event a resounding success.
The timing of this international gathering in Kashmir couldn't be more opportune, as the region has been experiencing a positive shift in its tourism sector. In 2022, Jammu and Kashmir witnessed a record 18.8 million tourists, including a significant number of foreign visitors. This influx is a testament to the region's potential as a thriving tourist destination.
The success of the G20 meeting has opened doors for the conduct of more such international events in the future, paving the way for Jammu and Kashmir to flourish as a hub for conferences and meetings. The UT's administration is eager to tap into its tourism potential, including sustainable tourism, adventure tourism, film and eco-tourism, and aims to provide multiple opportunities for local youth.
Foreign investors are also eyeing the growing potential of the region. The High Commissioner of Singapore, Simon Wong, mentioned that Singapore continues to be the largest investor in India, with plans for further investments in various sectors in Jammu and Kashmir.
As the situation in the valley continues to improve, the successful conclusion of the G20 meeting indicates a promising future for the region. More crucial national and international meetings and conferences are likely to be held in Jammu and Kashmir, further contributing to its progress and development.
The G20 event has not only highlighted the tourism potential of the region but also showcased its rich cultural heritage. This unique opportunity to connect with the global community will undoubtedly bolster the image of Jammu and Kashmir and attract more visitors from around the world.
Overall, the successful G20 Tourism Group meeting in Srinagar has set the stage for greater opportunities and partnerships for the region, bringing optimism and hope for a peaceful and prosperous future in Jammu and Kashmir.
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