Jammu and Kashmir BJP: Union Minister Amit Shah unveiled the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) manifesto for the upcoming assembly elections in Jammu on Friday. The elections, set to take place in Jammu and Kashmir, will be conducted in three phases on September 18, 25 and October 1. During his two-day visit to the poll-bound union territory, the home minister introduced the party’s ‘Sankalp Patra’ and is expected to engage with BJP workers at the Karyakarta Sammelan tomorrow. He assured Omar Abdullah that the BJP would protect reservations for Gujjars, Bakerwals and Pahadis, regardless of election outcomes. Shah urged the people of Jammu and Kashmir to give the BJP a five-year mandate to promote regional development and commit to completely eradicating terrorism.

Jammu and Kashmir Elections 2024: BJP Manifesto released by Amit Shah

Eradication of Terrorism and Separatism

The BJP’s manifesto for Jammu and Kashmir focuses on eradicating terrorism and separatism.

Women-Led Development 

A major emphasis is placed on women-led development through initiatives like the ‘Maa Samman Yojana’, offering Rs 18,000 annually to the eldest woman in each household.

State government support for Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) regarding interest on bank loans.

Health and Education

An addition of 1,000 seats to government medical colleges.

Tablets/laptops for higher secondary students in remote areas.

Employment Opportunities

Creation of 5 lakh jobs under the Pandit Prem Nath Dogra Rozgar Yojana (PPNDRY).

Pragati Shiksha Yojana

Rs 3,000 annual travel allowance for college students through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

LPG Cylinders for Households

Amit Shah also promises two free cylinders per year under the Ujjwala scheme.

White Paper on Terrorism

Commitment to release a white paper identifying those responsible for the emergence of terrorism in the region.

Abolishment of Article 370 

The abolishment of Article 370 is credited for peace, progress and social justice, with no plans for its restoration, despite opposition from Congress. Shah asserts that the Article pushed the youth of Jammu and Kashmir toward violence.

Tourism and Infrastructure Development

Develop Dal Lake in Srinagar into a world-class tourist destination, enhancing water sports facilities.

Establish an amusement park at Tattoo Ground in Srinagar.

Set up an IT hub in Jammu city as a Special Economic Zone (SEZ).

Support for MSMEs

Address the issues facing 7,000 existing MSME units in Jammu and Kashmir by improving access to land and public utilities.

Land Allocation for Beneficiaries

Provide free allotment of 5 marlas of land to landless beneficiaries under the Atal Awas Yojana.

Utility Bill Relief

Implement a scheme offering relief from outstanding electricity and water bills for all consumers.

Pension Increases

Triple the old age, widow, and disability pensions from Rs 1,000 to Rs 3,000 to ensure a dignified life for vulnerable groups.