Days of misery over, PM tells J&K youth

What is the News?

The Prime Minister has launched several development projects in Jammu aimed at “reducing Dilli Saey Doori (distance from Delhi)”.

Using the “Delhi ki Dooriyan” phrase, PM said the ‘ Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ initiative in the past eight years was aimed at reducing distances whether ‘ Dilli ki Dooriyan’ or “cultural or linguistic distances.

What are the projects launched by the Prime Minister in Jammu?

Banihal Qazigund Road Tunnel: It is an 8.45 Km long tunnel that would reduce the road distance between Banihal and Qazigund by 16 km. The tunnel would help establish an all-weather connection between Jammu and Kashmir.

Ratle Hydroelectric Project: It is an 850MW hydroelectric project that will be constructed on the Chenab River in Kishtwar District in Jammu and Kashmir.

Kwar Hydroelectric Project: It is a 540MW hydroelectric project that will also be built on Chenab river in Kishtwar District in Jammu and Kashmir.

What is Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat Initiative?

Launched by: Prime Minister on 31st October 2015 on the occasion of the 140th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel who played a significant part in the unification of the country post-independence.

Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Education

Aim: To promote the spirit of national integration and to strengthen the fabric of emotional bonds between the people of our country. 

Under the initiative, States and UT in the country would be paired with another State/UT for a time period, during which they would carry out a structured engagement with one another in the spheres of language, literature, cuisine, festivals, cultural events, tourism etc

For example, Andhra Pradesh is paired with Punjab. During this period, people from Punjab would attempt to learn keywords in Telugu and Andhra would hold food festivals offering Punjabi dishes among others.

Source: This post is based on the article “Days of misery over, PM tells J&K youth” published in The Hindu on 24th April 2022