UNDERSTANDING SWEEPING CHANGES IN J&K POST 2014
Puran Chand Sharma
There is a prominent quote “In democracy the government you elect is the Govt you deserve” Thomas Jefferson. The dictum speaks volumes together at this crucial juncture when we are well poised to take brisk strides to go to the polls to elect a stable, responsible, reliable and the powerful Govt wedded to nationalism and ‘ Principle of ‘Nation First’ plus the unshakeable political ethos and ethics. A Golden opportunity is knocking at our door. All segments of society who possess the immense treasure of electorates wisely need to realize the value of their vote and poll it intelligently to elect our representatives who stand for Nationalism, equitable development, perfect communal harmony and ever rising India. Let us point wise deliberate and highlight in nutshell the sterling transformation:-
EDUCATION
EARLIER:- The history of Mughal Invaders and aggressors coupled with British rulers was being taught in the educational institutions of J&K. AT PRESENT :- History of all great men, warriors and social reformers is being pursued and taught in entire Jammu and Kashmir, Prior to 2014 WE had only 02 Medical colleges, 89 Degree colleges and NO AIIMS in Jammu and Kashmir. NOW at this point of time we have 11 Medical colleges, 143 Degree colleges, 02 AIIMS. Prior to 2014 we did not have any IIM but at this crucial juncture we have been blessed with 01 prestigious IIM in J&K. Further there was no IIIT in Jammu prior to 2014 but the UT at this critical moment is proud to have one IIT in JAMMU and Kashmir which is effectively functional and productive. There was no existence of any IIMC and Nursing college prior to2014 but at this significant moment JKUT has been blessed with 01 IIMC and 15 Nursing colleges in Jammu and Kashmir. THEN: National Anthem was not being sung in all the Districts but only in some of the schools and also OUR TRI COLOUR was not being hoisted on all festive occasions. NOW: Recitation of National Anthem and hoisting of Tricolour has been made mandatory without any ifs and buts. Accordingly this is being religiously practised without fail in all the schools. LOCAL LANGUAGE: THEN:- In the name of Local Language, only Urdu was being taught in maximum schools and absence of teachers was quite an extremely nagging issue which called for immediate resolution . NOW: Options of Sanskrit, Dogri and other local languages are available. At the moment Teachers availability is ensured by Biometric system. EARLIER: Jammu Kashmir had only 500 MBBS seats but now MBBS seats have been enhanced to 1347. Other prominent highlights are “The benefit of ICT LAB and Smart classes has been provided to 91 schools. Sanction for establishment of Kendriya Vidyalayas in Jammu Kashmir has been accorded. Union Govt has provided a sum of Rupees 1665 crore to JKUT for the session 2024-25 to ensure holistic success of ‘Smaggar Shiksha Abhiyan’. Previously most of the Educational Institutions were named after the local politicians such as SKIMS Medical College etc. At present many Educational Institutions have been named after local martyrs e.g Govt DySP Aman Thakur Memorial Degree College Kastigarh( DODA), Imitiyaz Ahmad Thoker Memorial Degree College, Shopian, Shaheed Havaldar Raj Singh, Shaurya Chakrya Govt Higher Secondary School, Chakra, Zone, Hiranagar.
HEALTH
Earlier Jammu &Kashmir had no AIIMS , People had to proceed out of STATE for treatment of CANCER and other deadly diseases. Common masses had to suffer a great deal of hardship for treatment of such fatal diseases on account of their non affordability due to severe poverty. In the present times Jammu Kashmir has 2 AIIMS, 2 State Cancer Institutes and masses have been buying their medicines at a nominal price by virtue of Pradhanmantri JanAushadhi Kendras. PREVIOUSLY Health Deptt of J&K had no provision of financial support for their citizens but at present people of Jammu & Kashmir have been availing free treatment under AYUSHMAN BHARAT YOJANA. Earlier facility of Dialysis, ICU and HDU was available only in two Districts. Presently these facilities are available in all the Medical colleges. THEN: DNB (DIPLOMATE OF NATIONAL BOARD), Post Graduate Degree could not be pursued in J&K. Now :- There are 265 seats at present in Jammu &Kashmir for DNB. Then:- Bone And Joint Hospital existed in Kashmir province only. NOW:- Bone and Joint Hospital has also been established in Jammu and made functional for rendering services to the people.
DEVELOPMENT
THEN:- There was no standard yoga and meditation centre in Jammu and Kashmir. Now:- We have the largest International Meditation Center, Mantlai in JKUT. Then:- We had no Ring Road in Jammu. NOW:- Jammu & Kashmir have two Ring Roads each in Jammu and Kashmir’ which have connectivity with 62 villages in Kashmir and 52 villages in Jammu. Then:- Film Makers were least interested to shoot their films in Jammu and Kashmir because of tormenting Terrorism. Now:- In the year2023 shooting of more than 30 films has been completed as a sequel to enforcement of new film policy. Then:- Young players of JKUT were participating in very few games. NOW:- Young players at District level are getting opportunity to prove their talent and skill by virtue of Khelo India initiative of our Union Govt such as Sheetal Devi and Umran Malik. Earlier concrete steps were not being taken with regard to improvement in sports . Now:- M A Stadium has been upgraded, Arun Jaitley stadium in JKUT is third biggest stadium of the country. International Foot Ball Stadium BGSBU has been built up in Rajouri. Then:- No high speed train was operational in Jammu Kashmir. Now:- Vande Bharat, high speed has been operating in JKUT. Highest in the world Railway Bridge in Reasi is under construction. First ever cable bridge and 12.75 kms long Tunnel in Ramban are also briskly nearing completion. Other scintillating highlights are presented in summary form as under:- 1. In The Year 2023 , 2.11 Crore Tourists visited Kashmir which is a Record. 2. Then:- Wagha Border was the only major attraction for tourists. Now:- Suchetgarh Border Prade in Jammu has beautifully evolved into another principal centre of Tourist attraction. In the concluding comment it is proudly mentioned that the those at the helms have taken pains to bedeck Jammu Kashmir, the crown of Bharat Mata.