We want to build a 'Naya Jammu and Kashmir', says Manmohan Singh

Katra (Jammu and Kashmir), Apr 25 : Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh on Friday said that the Government dreams to build a "Naya Jammu and Kashmir", symbolized by peace, prosperity and people's empowerment.

He was addressing the first Convocation of Shri Mata Vaishnodevi University at Katra in Jammu and Kashmir today.

Dr. Singh said the Government should support efforts of building a new Jammu and Kashmir by providing necessary infrastructure particularly in terms of road and bridge connectivity.

He said investment in education, in skill building, and in improving capabilities of young people is the most important way in which a new Jammu and Kashmir can be built.

The Prime Minister said he want each and every section of the civil society in Jammu and Kashmir to come forward and participate in this grand adventure of building a new Jammu and Kashmir. To be effective participants in such a process people have to be empowered by education, good health care and provision of adequate employment opportunities.

"We can see from the experience of some of the developed States in other parts of the country that peace, security and stability do contribute to the overall economic advancement of the State," added Dr. Singh.

Dr. Singh further said that the strengthening of the local government, the increased participation in the democratic process has improved the overall climate in the State, both for business and for the resolution of the problems of Jammu and Kashmir.

The Prime Minister said the Eleventh Five Year Plan offers the framework for new phase of development of higher education in the country.

"We are establishing 30 new Central Universities, of which half will be conceived as world-class institutions. We have promised that there will be a Central University in every State of the Union, including the State of Jammu and Kashmir," said Dr. Singh.

ANI