Srinagar: In his first trip to Kashmir following the abrogation of Article 370, Prime Minister Narendra Modi revealed various developmental initiatives valued at over Rs 6,400 crore on Thursday at the 'Viksit Bharat Viksit Jammu Kashmir' event held at Srinagar's Bakshi Stadium.

Speaking at a public rally, the Prime Minister said he was "ecstatic to be amongst the great people of Srinagar." ("dil jeetne aaya hun...")

"Development projects unveiled today will bolster the development of Jammu and Kashmir. A developed Jammu and Kashmir is a priority for developed India," PM Modi said, as he addressed the people of the Union Territory.

The Prime Minister also pointed out a time when the people of Jammu and Kashmir could in no way get access to their rightful benefits.

"There was an era when law applicable in other parts of the country could not be implemented in Jammu and Kashmir when welfare schemes targeting the poor were implemented across the country, but our brothers and sisters of Jammu and Kashmir were deprived of the benefits. See now, how the times have changed."

Addressing the rally, Modi said, "I promise you that I will leave no stone unturned to return the love and affection you have shown me."

Slamming the Congress party, PM Modi said, "The Congress was misleading not only the residents of Jammu and Kashmir but the entire India on Article 370.

"Today, I got the chance to launch several development projects to benefit tourism. The power of development, tourism possibilities, empowerment of farmers, and the leadership of the youth of Jammu and Kashmir. Jammu and Kashmir is not merely a region, it is the forehead of India. Viksit Jammu and Kashmir is the priority of Viksit Bharat," he said.

"I've been informed that 100,000 individuals from 285 blocks have participated virtually. I express gratitude to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. This revamped Jammu and Kashmir holds promise for a prosperous future and possesses the resilience to confront hurdles... Witnessing your smiles, 1.4 billion people throughout the nation are reassured," he remarked.

Previously, the Prime Minister handed out appointment letters to approximately 1,000 recently hired government workers and engaged with recipients of various central schemes, including women achievers, farmers, and entrepreneurs.

Upon his arrival, PM Narendra Modi toured an exhibition featuring local products from Jammu and Kashmir. A video capturing the Prime Minister's visit to the exhibition was circulated on social media.

According to an official statement, the 'Holistic Agriculture Development Programme' (HADP) by the Prime Minister will provide a major boost to the agri-economy of the region and will cover the full spectrum of activities in three major domains of horticulture, agriculture and livestock husbandry.

The programme is expected to equip about 2.5 lakh farmers with skill-development training and about 2,000 farmers' service centres will be established and robust value chains put in place for the welfare of the farming community, it said.

As per an official statement, the 'Holistic Agriculture Development Programme' (HADP) initiated by the Prime Minister aims to significantly enhance the agricultural economy of the region. It will cover a comprehensive range of activities across three key areas: horticulture, agriculture, and livestock husbandry.

The program is anticipated to provide skill development training to approximately 250,000 farmers and establish around 2,000 farmers' service centers. Additionally, it will establish strong value chains to promote the welfare of the farming community.

The tourism projects launched by PM Modi align with his vision to enhance the overall experience for tourists and pilgrims visiting significant pilgrimage and tourism destinations nationwide.

With these initiatives, the government aims to develop world-class infrastructure and amenities at these sites, said the official statement.

In addition to the Hazratbal shrine project, these initiatives encompass various tourism facilities.

These include developments in the Northeast Circuit in Meghalaya, the Spiritual Circuit in Bihar and Rajasthan, as well as the Rural and Tirthankar Circuit in Bihar. Furthermore, there are additional projects underway in states such as Telangana and Madhya Pradesh.