Morena (MP): Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar on Monday expressed confidence that the farmers of Jammu and Kashmir will benefit immensely from the revocation of special status to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 of the Constitution.
In an exclusive interview with ETV Bharat, Tomar praised PM Narendra Modi, saying that he took a bold step by modifying Article 370 which will provide the people of J&K, access to central government schemes.
Emphasising on the schemes currently in place for farmers, Tomar said: "Money provided by the central government was not properly utilised for boosting agriculture in the state. Now, the farmers in Jammu and Kashmir can now avail a sum of Rs 6,000 under Pradhan Mantri Kisan Yojana."
Elaborating on the Pradhan Mantri Pension Scheme, he said that the scheme is meant for people aged between 18 to 40 years of age.
"If a person deposits Rs 55 per month for 18 years, then the government will deposit Rs 55 every month in the depositor's account. Later on, the person will get Rs 3,000 per month after 60 years of age and after his demise, his spouse will get Rs 1,500 per month. Now, people of Jammu and Kashmir can also avail this scheme."
"Poor people in Jammu and Kashmir can now avail Rs 5 lakh for treatment under Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Yojana (PMAY)," he added.
"The government employees in Jammu and Kashmir are still getting salary as per Third Finance Commission but now they can also draw a salary as prescribed by the Seventh Pay Commission," he said, adding that the modification in Article 370 will also open gates for real estate investments in the region from across the country.
"With time, if people start investing in Jammu and Kashmir, then its tourism will expand and even industrialisation will take place. Job opportunities will also increase," he added.
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