Share your story and shine at JK Monitor!🌟 Welcome to JK Monitor, where every story matters and every achievement is celebrated! We invite you to share the remarkable journey of your life and showcase your accomplishments to the world. Join our exclusive interviews that honor exceptional individuals just like you. JAMMU: BJP Jammu & Kashmir State Secretary Pawan Sharma welcomed the Centre’s decision to undertake a high-level study on demographic changes in Jammu & Kashmir, describing it as a constructive and forward-looking initiative that reflects the Modi Government’s commitment to evidence-based governance, balanced development and the welfare of every section of society.
Sharma said the proposed study provides an important opportunity to develop a comprehensive understanding of the demographic, social and economic changes that Jammu & Kashmir has witnessed over the years and to use credible data for better policy formulation and long-term planning.
“This is a welcome initiative by the Central Government. A comprehensive understanding of demographic trends will help strengthen development planning, improve delivery of public services and ensure that the aspirations of every region and every section of society are appropriately reflected in the policy process,” Sharma said.
He emphasised that Jammu & Kashmir has experienced several important developments over the decades, including migration, displacement, urbanisation, improved connectivity, expansion of infrastructure and changing socio-economic patterns. A detailed study, he said, will help place these developments in the correct perspective and provide valuable inputs for future governance.
Sharma particularly welcomed the opportunity for the Jammu region, border areas and other geographically and socio-economically distinct parts of the Union Territory to be appropriately reflected in the assessment.
“Jammu & Kashmir is a land of tremendous diversity. Jammu, Kashmir and the border areas have their own geographical, historical and socio-economic characteristics. A comprehensive study will help the Government understand these regional dynamics better and formulate policies that promote balanced and inclusive development,” he said.
He stated that the study should make effective use of official demographic data, historical records, administrative information and credible field-level inputs, while also engaging academics, researchers, civil society representatives, displaced families, youth and other stakeholders.
Sharma said that the experiences of communities affected by migration and displacement, particularly those who suffered because of terrorism and prolonged instability, should form an important part of the broader understanding of Jammu & Kashmir's social transformation.
“Every citizen who has contributed to the peace, progress and development of Jammu & Kashmir deserves recognition and equal opportunity. The Government’s focus on inclusive development will help strengthen confidence, social harmony and a shared sense of participation in the Union Territory’s future,” he said.
He welcomed the Centre’s approach of combining development with better governance and said that the exercise is consistent with the Modi Government’s broader vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas.
According to Sharma, reliable demographic information can significantly support planning in areas such as education, employment, healthcare, infrastructure, urban development, welfare delivery and public services.
“The strength of good governance lies in taking decisions on the basis of facts and credible information. This exercise will provide valuable inputs for planning the next phase of Jammu & Kashmir’s development and ensuring that growth reaches every region and every section of society,” he said.
Sharma expressed confidence that the high-level team would undertake the exercise with professionalism, transparency and sensitivity, incorporating diverse perspectives before finalising its assessment.
He also emphasised that the ultimate objective should be to translate the findings into better policies, stronger institutions and more balanced development outcomes.
“Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Jammu & Kashmir has entered a new phase of development, connectivity, investment and opportunity. The proposed study can further strengthen this transformation by providing a clear understanding of demographic and socio-economic trends. It is an opportunity to plan better, govern better and build a more prosperous Jammu & Kashmir,” Sharma said.
He added that the BJP welcomes every constructive effort aimed at strengthening peace, development, social harmony, equal opportunity and national integration in Jammu & Kashmir.
“Jammu & Kashmir’s progress is India’s progress. Our collective responsibility is to ensure that every region, every community and every citizen becomes an equal partner in the journey towards a Viksit Bharat. This high-level study can make an important contribution towards that larger national vision,” Sharma said.
