 Early Times Report
JAMMU, Sept 26: The Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee on Saturday observed the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh at Rajiv Bhawan, Jammu, with JKPCC Working President Raman Bhalla leading the celebrations. Senior Congress leaders and party workers paid tributes to Dr Singh, recalling his contribution to the country's economic development and his sustained focus on Jammu and Kashmir during his tenure as Prime Minister.
Prominent among those present on the occasion included Ved Mahajan, Shamima Raina, Parveen Akhter, Iqbal Dar, Kewal Krishan Jogi, Sanjeev Panda, Sohit Sharma, Rakesh Sharma, Ram Magotra, Michael Wazir, Jatin Vashisht, Neeraj Gupta, R.P. Magotra, Varinder Kumar, Ashok Sharma, Janak Raj, Mangal Bral, Amit Gupta, Sumit Gandhi, Sanjay Jandiyal, Naresh Digra, Nasir Masih, Balwinder Singh Rinku, Manmeet Singh, Prithvi Raj and others.
Addressing the gathering, Raman Bhalla said Dr Manmohan Singh would be remembered for his statesmanship, commitment to democratic values and his development-oriented approach towards Jammu and Kashmir. He said Dr Singh's tenure witnessed a major thrust to the State's infrastructure and reconstruction, particularly through the Prime Minister's Reconstruction Plan announced in 2004. The plan envisaged a Rs 24,000-crore development and reconstruction programme, covering infrastructure, education, health, tourism, employment, agriculture and rehabilitation. Bhalla said the approach was not confined to financial assistance but sought to build long-term economic capacity and improve the quality of life of people across all regions of J&K.
Bhalla said connectivity received particular attention during Dr Singh's tenure, describing the expansion of the railway network as one of the most significant milestones for Jammu and Kashmir. He recalled that the Jammu-Udhampur railway line was dedicated to the nation in 2005 as part of the Jammu-Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link, while the historic Banihal-Qazigund section and the Pir Panjal Railway Tunnel were inaugurated in 2013, establishing a crucial rail connection between the Jammu region and Kashmir Valley. He said such projects had far-reaching implications for mobility, trade, tourism and economic integration within the Union Territory.
The JKPCC Working President further highlighted Dr Singh's emphasis on education, healthcare, employment and balanced regional development. He said the Reconstruction Plan included new degree colleges in Jammu and Kashmir regions, women's ITIs, strengthening of healthcare facilities, support for teachers and skill development, tourism promotion, horticulture and self-employment initiatives. Bhalla also recalled Dr Singh's announcement of Central Universities for Jammu and Kashmir and the focus on expanding opportunities for the youth. He said Dr Singh's policy framework demonstrated that peace and development had to move together, with investment in human resources, infrastructure and employment forming an important part of strengthening public confidence and economic activity in J&K.
Congress chief spokesperson Ravinder Sharma said Dr Manmohan Singh's life remained an example of dedication to public service, constitutional democracy and intellectual integrity. He said the former Prime Minister's approach towards J&K combined development with dialogue, reconciliation and opportunities for the people. Sharma said the Congress would continue to uphold the values of inclusive development, social justice and democratic engagement associated with Dr Singh's public life.
Jammu District Congress Committee President Yogesh Sawhney said Dr Manmohan Singh represented a rare combination of scholarship, humility and public service. He said his contribution to strengthening institutions and promoting inclusive growth would remain an important part of India's contemporary political and economic history. Sawhney said Congress workers should draw inspiration from Dr Singh's commitment to public welfare, democratic institutions and the principle that development must reach every section of society. |
