Jammu I March 16, 2025- BJP Spokesperson for Jammu and Kashmir, Gaurav Gupta, called on Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday, March 15, 2025, to discuss pressing issues related to industrial development and the promotion of religious tourism in the Union Territory. The meeting, held at the Raj Bhavan in Jammu, saw Gupta submitting a detailed memorandum outlining key demands aimed at fostering economic progress and enhancing the region’s tourism potential.
During the discussion, Gupta commended the transformative governance under LG Sinha’s leadership, which has significantly advanced infrastructure, economic growth, and public welfare initiatives across Jammu and Kashmir. He highlighted the administration’s achievements in improving connectivity, healthcare, and education, which have elevated living standards for residents. However, he stressed that certain areas still require urgent policy interventions to unlock the region’s full potential.
A central focus of Gupta’s memorandum was the need for a comprehensive industrial package for Jammu and Kashmir. He urged the Lieutenant Governor to take up the matter with the Central Government, advocating for incentives, financial support, and infrastructural assistance to bolster the industrial sector. “A new industrial package would catalyse economic growth, create jobs, and attract investment, positioning J&K as a competitive player in the national economy,” Gupta said during the meeting.
Equally significant was Gupta’s push for the establishment of a well-structured Religious Tourism Circuit in the Jammu region. He proposed integrating prominent pilgrimage sites such as the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, Shiv Khori, Raghunath Temple, Ranbireshwar Temple, Sudh Mahadev, Shri Budha Amarnath, and Purmandal-Uttarbehni into a cohesive network. Gupta argued that enhanced connectivity, improved accommodation facilities, and targeted promotional campaigns could significantly boost religious tourism, benefiting local businesses and strengthening the regional economy. “Jammu’s rich spiritual heritage is an untapped asset. A dedicated circuit would not only draw pilgrims but also preserve our cultural legacy,” he emphasised.
The BJP spokesperson expressed confidence that implementing these measures would accelerate Jammu and Kashmir’s journey toward economic prosperity and cultural preservation. He reiterated his commitment to collaborating with the administration to ensure the aspirations of the region’s people are met, particularly in the domains of industrial growth and tourism development.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha gave Gupta a patient hearing, acknowledging the importance of the issues raised. He assured the BJP leader that all genuine demands would be addressed on priority, reflecting the administration’s dedication to inclusive development. Sinha’s tenure has been marked by efforts to promote industrial investment and tourism, aligning with the goals outlined in Gupta’s memorandum. In recent years, the J&K administration has worked to position the Union Territory as an attractive destination for investors and tourists alike, with initiatives like the New Industrial Development Scheme and the successful G-20 Tourism Working Group meeting in Srinagar in 2023.
The meeting comes at a time when Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing a tourism boom, with over 2.35 crore visitors in 2024, and steady progress in infrastructure development. Gupta’s proposals build on this momentum, aiming to diversify economic opportunities and enhance the region’s appeal as a spiritual and industrial hub. As the administration considers these demands, the outcomes of this dialogue could shape the next phase of growth for Jammu and Kashmir, reinforcing its trajectory toward peace, prosperity, and progress.