Daman, Feb 26: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah Monday said that the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi was committed to the overall development of Jammu and Kashmir.
Presiding over a meeting of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) at Daman, the Home Minister said, “Under the leadership of PM Modi, the government is fully committed to the overall development of J&K and has taken several measures that have significantly boosted its development.”
Minister of State for Home Ajay Kumar Mishra and Nishith Pramanik, 11 members of the committee, Union Home Secretary, senior officers of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir, and Director General of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and Assam Rifles participated in the meeting.
The committee discussed issues related to the development of J&K and CAPFs.
During the discussion, it was highlighted that August 6, 2019, was a historic day for Jammu and Kashmir when the Parliament of India decided to abrogate Article 370 of the constitution.
“With this, all the constitutional safeguards enjoyed by the citizens of our country were extended to J&K including progressive laws like the Right to Education and National Minorities Commission Act. These laws were fully implemented in J&K. The enactment of these laws has guaranteed equality and fairness to all, including Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, women, children, and senior citizens. A provision of 10 percent reservation has been made for the upliftment of economically backward classes in jobs and educational institutions,” the committee said during the discussion. “Along with this, substantial progress has been seen in the last few years, in the fields of power generation, transmission and distribution sectors, irrigation schemes, agriculture, industry, health, education, road-rail-air transport, tourism, employment etc. in Jammu and Kashmir. Besides, Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) were strengthened by providing funds, functions and functionaries for decentralisation of governance. These initiatives have brought positive changes in the lives of the people of J&K.”
It said that the abrogation of Article 370 had proved to be a transformational phase in J&K, which has seen wide-ranging changes in development, security, and socio-economic dimensions.
“Stone pelting and organised strikes have become a thing of the past. The Ministry of Home Affairs is committed to leading the way on the path of accelerated and inclusive development and empowering the people of Jammu and Kashmir to shape their future and fulfil new aspirations,” the committee said.
During the discussion on CAPFs, the Union Home Minister said that under the leadership of PM Modi, the government was committed to ensuring a safe and secure India.
He reiterated the splendid work done by the CAPFs in maintaining law and order in dealing with issues of internal security and guarding the International Border (IB).
Shah emphasised that the welfare of CAPF personnel and their kin was the top priority of the government.
He exhorted all officers to continue the good work being done to achieve PM Modi’s vision of Vikshit Bharat.
The Home Minister said that in a landmark decision under the leadership of PM Modi, the MHA has decided that from 2024, the constable (General Duty) examination for CAPFs would be conducted in 13 regional languages in addition to Hindi and English.
During the meeting, it was apprised that in the last 5 years, recruitment of more than 2.43 lakh personnel had been carried out.
“Under the Rozgar Mela during the last year, approximately 98,676 candidates have been appointed and around 54,000 personnel promoted in CAPFs. Bonus marks are provided to the NCC certificate holders in the recruitment of CAPFs and during the last 3 years 3560 NCC certificate holders have availed the benefits of this scheme,” the committee said. The members of the committee were also informed that during the last 10 years, 54 battalions had been raised in CAPFs.
During the meeting, various steps taken for the welfare of CAPF personnel were also discussed including Bharat Ke Veer, Ayushman CAPFs, PM Scholarship Scheme, and enhancement of ex-gratia to the next of kin of those who made supreme sacrifice for the nation.
Provision in the recruitment rules and exemption in the eligibility criteria for induction of Agni Veer in CAPFs was also discussed.
It was also apprised to the committee that various initiatives had been taken by the CAPFs including the plantation of 5.10 crore saplings across the country, scientific beekeeping, Honey Mission in the campuses of CAPFs, and the use of millets in CAPFs.
Issues related to the creation of infrastructure, modernization, and increasing housing satisfaction ratio were also discussed.
It was apprised to the committee that the government was making concerted efforts to make the life of CAPF personnel comfortable.