Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy, and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh, articulated the plan to develop Basohli in the Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir into a Heritage Town and Aroma Start-up destination in the forthcoming years. Dr. Jitendra Singh made these remarks during a public meeting in Basohli, coinciding with a Lavender Awareness program.
Highlighting the historical neglect of Basohli by previous governments, Dr. Jitendra Singh noted the persistent development deficit in this Kandi area. He underscored that since Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed office in 2014, the government’s primary focus has been to integrate overlooked regions into the mainstream development, eliminating the development deficit syndrome.
Reiterating the Prime Minister’s vision for a developed India and Jammu and Kashmir, Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized the government’s dedication to the welfare of the poor, farmers, youth, and women. Various welfare schemes have empowered these segments, aligning with the ethos of ‘Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas,’ he stated.
Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted groundbreaking road and highway developments, including North India’s first Cable-Stayed Bridge, Atal Setu, and J&K’s inaugural inter-State bridge at Keerian-Gandyal. He credited these achievements to the transformative leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Addressing the Shahpur-Kandi Project, which resumed after 70 years due to PM Modi’s prioritization, Dr. Jitendra Singh underscored its significance as a lifeline for the region, capable of irrigating 4000 acres of agricultural land.
Dr. Jitendra Singh urged Basohli to embrace lavender cultivation under the Aroma Mission, citing successful models in neighboring states. As the birthplace of the Purple Revolution in India, Basohli has the potential to significantly boost the income of local farmers through lavender cultivation, he concluded.
