Key takeaways of the G20 meet in Srinagar
The historical G20 meeting that was successfully conducted in Srinagar has dispelled several myths about Kashmir and the regions ability on holding big events involving delegates from foreign countries.
The three day event not only proved an accomplishment but also showcased the regions ability to deal with any important event with ease. The occasion proved to be an opportunity for the administration to showcase to the world that development of Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 has begun on a massive scale and the region is on the threshold of witnessing a huge transformation.
The region which was once known for shutdowns, killings and violence for almost three decades has shed its past baggage and has become part of the process that will ensure all round development of the UT and bring it par with various metro cities that have become synonym to the growth and development.
Ironically, Jammu and Kashmir has been witnessed interference and state-sponsored terrorism by Pakistan for 30 years. The terror eco system that had spread its tentacles deep within every sphere of activity has at last been isolated and the people here have aligned with the thought of development, progress and peace.
The developments taking place since the past two years have displayed that the Union Territory is now witnessing a new era that has opened limitless possibilities of growth and peace, especially for the younger generation.
The message that has gone through after the conduct of the G20 event is loud and clear and the writing on the wall has been crystal clear that people here want to thrive, capitalize and be part of the growth story that India is presently witnessing.
Importantly, due to the vigorous efforts of the administration the Union territory has witnessed manifestation of 7.7 lakh registered entrepreneurs and every day, one new industry is being made operational and the youth are scaling newer heights and trying to contribute their bit in nation building.
What is inspiring to note is that women entrepreneurs are also trying to make a niche for themselves as their number has swollen to around six lakh over the years.
The growth story that has been scripted here has also meant that the farmers too have not been left behind. Over the past three years Jammu and Kashmir has risen to the number five in the rankings for income of farmers. All these developments will help the UT to attract more investors and entrepreneurs so that a new phase of development is witnessed in the region.
Interestingly, the myths that Jammu and Kashmir cannot hold important and international events too were dispelled as the successful conduct of the event has provided enough confidence to the administration that any event, no matter how important and significant, can be held in Kashmir and the participants won’t regret their visit to this place.
The satisfaction that was written on the faces of the participants of the G20 event here is ample proof that they have gone back satisfied and content with the infrastructure, facilities and above all ambience- that they experienced during their three day stay here.
Jammu and Kashmir is capable enough to host any international event and the efforts to rope in various corporates, sports bodies and other stakeholders can be redoubled to convince them to participate in MICE tourism, sports tourism, film tourism and the whole lot of other activities.
JK’s ability to host tourists in huge numbers has already been put to test as last year a record of over 18 million tourists visited the union territory. The tourism Industry contributed more than seven per cent to the GDP last year and the trend is continuing even this year too. The region also holds huge potential for religious tourism as lakhs of devotees throng to the famous pilgrimages of Mata Vaishno Devi, Amarnath Cave and other places of interest.
Interestingly, the UT’s tryst with grassroot democracy has also been recorded over the past few years as a three-tier local governance system has been put in place. Those who were crying their throats dry about the absence of democratic institutions have been left wondering as a whole gamut of DDC’s and Panchayats have been taking care of the developmental needs of the people at the local level.
This achievement of the administration received all the appreciation of the visiting delegates and the notion that grass root democratic institutions have been ignored came crashing down.
KV News
