Heavy rush seen across Srinagar markets

Srinagar, May 26: The markets across Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in Srinagar, are experiencing a significant festive rush with people shopping for Eid.

All big and small markets in Srinagar and other towns in Kashmir were witnessing heavy footfall, causing traffic congestion.

People came out early to buy essentials of life so that their families have enough to celebrate the Eid al-Adha festival on Wednesday in the union territory.

Shops selling bakery, mutton, poultry, and hosiery were witnessing huge crowds. And children thronging toy markets brought Srinagar city to life early today.

People carrying bags of foodstuffs and other essentials were seen jostling with each other to negotiate the heavy traffic on city roads, as traffic snarls resulted in confusion and chaos in some places.

Many makeshift shops set up by pavement sellers have added to the choking of pedestrian spaces in uptown Srinagar city as police try to be polite and lenient on the eve of the Eid festival, so that the pavement sellers can do some business and share the joys of the festival with their families.

The most sought-after on this Eid are the animal markets full of sheep and goats brought to the city from far-off places like Poonch, Rajouri and even from Delhi and Rajasthan.

Well-fed and well-kept sheep and goats are reared by sheep and goatherds to sell them at handsome prices on Eid al-Adha. Authorities have deployed teams of checking squads to ensure that prices remain under control and all the edibles sold on Eid are fresh and fit for human consumption. There is no shortage of essentials in the valley, and despite this, some unscrupulous traders try to exploit the buyers’ rush to unreasonably hike prices.

Following the centuries-old tradition, Muslims throughout the world offer animal sacrifices on Eid al-Adha, also called the Bakr Eid. Muslims believe that the spirit behind these animal sacrifices is to commemorate the greatest submission to Allah’s command and total submission of humankind to God’s mercy.

Says anti-drone systems to be rolled out soon

New Delhi, May 26: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah Tuesday interacted with personnel at the Sanchu Post of the Border Security Force (BSF), located on the international border in Bikaner, and virtually inaugurated women’s barracks.

On this occasion, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, Union Home Secretary, Director, Intelligence Bureau, Secretary (Border Management), Director General of BSF, and other senior officers were present.

Addressing the personnel, Amit Shah said that since the establishment of the BSF, border guards have fulfilled the responsibility of protecting the nation’s borders with dedication to duty, bravery, courage, and the spirit of supreme sacrifice, without caring for scorching heat, severe cold, rain, dense forests, snow-covered peaks, or temperatures ranging from 45 degrees to minus 45 degrees Celsius.

He said that the sacrifice of more than 2,000 border guards is not only a debt owed by the BSF and the Government of India, but by all 1.4 billion Indians. The Home Minister added that the entire nation is proud of the border guards.

Amit Shah said that the government has decided to ensure the participation of the country’s daughters in every field in a gender-neutral manner and provide them with equal opportunities.

He said that earlier governments had not given adequate attention to the role of women in border security and the facilities required for them, but the country’s daughters have gone two steps ahead of men in contributing to national security.

He added that by 2030, all necessary facilities for women personnel deployed in border security will be ensured. Shah informed that in Rajasthan, 79 barracks have been sanctioned, and work on 67 of them has already been completed at a cost of around ₹39 crore.

Of these, 14 barracks were inaugurated today. The Home Minister said that along the borders guarded by the BSF, a total of 356 barracks will be constructed at a cost of around ₹200 crore. Once completed, these barracks will make duty deployment much more convenient for women personnel.

Amit Shah said that since Narendra Modi became Prime Minister in 2014, there has been a fundamental transformation in the country’s security landscape. He said that the armed forces are being modernised and the Border Security Forces are also undergoing modernisation.

He added that the Government of India has adopted a policy of ruthlessly giving a befitting reply to any attempt by terrorists. The Home Minister said that ensuring zero infiltration is our responsibility, and that this can be achieved through a quadrilateral security grid.

Amit Shah said that BSF personnel delivered a commendable performance during ‘Operation Sindoor’. He said that wherever the BSF took charge of the frontlines, they stood firm with complete determination. He added that the BSF also played a major role in maintaining the morale of people living in border districts. Wherever required, BSF personnel gave a befitting reply to Pakistan in keeping with their proud tradition.

The Union Home Minister expressed happiness over visiting the historic Sanchu post and said that during the 1965 India-Pakistan war, Sanchu had a population of more than 500, while the RAC post was located about 25 kilometres behind in Ranjitpura village. He said that when the brave personnel of three RAC units and the 13 Grenadiers received information that Pakistan was attempting to capture Sanchu, they launched a fierce attack and ensured that Sanchu remained secure within India’s borders, forcing Pakistan to retreat.

The Union Home Minister said that the three RAC units, which are now part of the 12th Battalion of the BSF, proudly celebrate Vijay Utsav every year. This Victory Day has been named “Sanchu Diwas.” He added that this post is inscribed in golden letters in India’s military history.

Amit Shah said that construction work on a lateral road across the entire Rajasthan desert has begun. The Home Minister added that the approximately 1,096-kilometre-long lateral road and the 520-kilometre-long axial road will not only provide better facilities to BSF personnel but also improve connectivity. He further said that work on new-design fencing is also underway, and that the task of supplying drinking water through pipelines to nearly 180 border posts in Rajasthan has been completed.

Amit Shah said that the traditional role of the BSF must now be viewed from a new perspective. He said that along with border security, the force must strengthen its preparedness by maintaining constant vigilance against illegal smuggling, infiltration, and cross-border activities. The Home Minister said that a few years ago, the Government of India decided to expand the BSF’s jurisdiction from 15 kilometres to 50 kilometres from the border. He said that it is our responsibility to inform the civil administration if any illegal construction takes place within villages located inside this 50-kilometre zone. The Union Home Minister added that if any artificial demographic change is taking place within the 50-kilometre radius, the BSF must remain alert and inform the state government. He further said that it is also the responsibility of the force to take all necessary measures to strictly stop the smuggling of narcotics and weapons through drones and other means.

The Union Home Minister said that the Government of India will begin installing anti-drone systems within the next six months. However, he stressed that it is equally important to identify who receives the drones once they land on Indian soil and who uses the materials brought by them for anti-national activities. Shah said that there must be constant vigilance on such activities. For their neutralisation, close coordination with civil authorities and district police is essential, and the response must be result-oriented.

Amit Shah said that border villages are being developed under the plan envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said that the BSF should take the lead under the Vibrant Villages Programme and work towards ensuring 100 percent saturation of welfare schemes of the state governments and the Government of India in border villages. He added that the coming generations in border villages must be made aware and empowered, because only then can the BSF, the armed forces, and vigilant citizens together build a strong security grid.

The Union Home Minister said that there must be constant vigilance over all threats originating from across the border. At the same time, attention must also be paid to those within our borders who are used to create internal threats, and strict action should be taken against them in accordance with the law.

Shah said that the responsibility for securing the Pakistan and Bangladesh borders lies with the BSF. Along both these borders, we have to strengthen the quadrilateral security grid. To deal with any threat, the BSF, the armed forces, border residents, and the local administration must work jointly; that is why it has been named a quadrilateral grid. Border security is not an isolated duty, but a territorial responsibility shared by all of us.

Amit Shah said that the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) have made a significant contribution to tree plantation efforts. He said that over the past five years, personnel of CAPFs have planted nearly 7 crore 35 lakh trees. Shah added that, in view of climate change and rising global temperatures, such a large number of trees will prove extremely beneficial in the future. The Home Minister also planted a Khejri sapling and said that the Khejri tree is like a wish-fulfilling tree for the desert region.

Chairs high-level meeting of JKAACL Central Committee

Srinagar, May 26: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Tuesday chaired a high-level meeting of the Central Committee of Jammu Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKAACL), at Lok Bhavan.

The meeting was attended by Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary; Shailendra Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary, Finance Department; Dr Mandeep K Bhandari, Principal Secretary to Lieutenant Governor; Brij Mohan Sharma, Principal Secretary Culture; Ram Niwas Sharma, Commissioner Secretary, Higher Education Department; Harvinder Kour, Secretary JKAACL; Dr Satish Vimal; Prof Bashar Bashir, and Principals of Institute of Music and Fine Arts, University of Jammu and University of Kashmir.

The Central Committee granted in-principle approval to several key proposals, including affiliation for continuing Calligraphy Course, Annual Plan of Expenditure for the FY 2026-27 and the designing of a new Academy logo, which will feature all five official languages of Jammu Kashmir.

The Lieutenant Governor directed for accelerating the digitization process of all Academy libraries and implementing a well-crafted plan for capacity building of the Academy artists and staff.

He instructed the Academy to expedite the process of accreditation of artists and filling the vacant posts.

The Lieutenant Governor emphasised that a comprehensive strategy involving the Education, Sports, and Culture departments must be formulated to promote vibrant cultural activities in schools and colleges to boost youth engagement.

The Lieutenant Governor also applauded the Culture Academy’s performance in the Vande Mataram initiative.

Brij Mohan Sharma, Principal Secretary, Culture Department, gave a detailed presentation highlighting JKAACL’s recent milestones.

The committee was informed that the Academy successfully organized over 470 events across Jammu, Kashmir, and other parts of the country, engaging 14,117 artists and writers. Major commemorative events included 150 Years of Vande Mataram celebrations, Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, Har Ghar Tiranga Yatra, Nukkad Natak under Nasha Mukt J&K Campaign, Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas, Birth Anniversary of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee, and Constitution Day.

It was further informed that The Jammu & Kashmir Tableau was a major attraction during the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations at Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, on 31st October 2025. Furthermore, the J&K Tableau clinched the Second Prize at the Republic Day Parade 2026 in New Delhi, a historic national achievement for the Union Territory after 24 years.

The Committee also reviewed the Action Taken Report from the previous meeting which was held in 2021.

On the occasion, a Shina-Urdu dictionary and Annual Report of the Academy were also released.

Assures strict action against accused

BUDGAM, MAY 26: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Tuesday visited the family of the minor girl who was brutally murdered on Sunday morning.

The Chief Minister visited the bereaved family at their residence in Galwanpora village of Budgam district and offered words of comfort and solidarity during this hour of immense grief.

Expressing profound sorrow over the tragic loss of the child, the Chief Minister conveyed his deepest condolences to the family and assured them that the government stands firmly with them in their pursuit of justice.

The Chief Minister said the incident has shaken the conscience of society and asserted that such elements have no place in a civilised society.

He said the government will ensure that the case is taken to its logical conclusion and that the perpetrator of this heinous crime is awarded exemplary punishment in accordance with the law.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by MLA Budgam Agha Muntazir Mehdi and civil and police administration of the district.

The minor girl, who had gone missing on Saturday, was found dead in a nearby field in Galwanpora village of central Kashmir’s Budgam district on Sunday morning. The incident triggered widespread shock and grief across the area. Subsequently, police took cognisance of the matter and arrested the accused within 36 hours of the commission of the crime.

Calls for tougher anti-terror action

New Delhi, May 26: The Quad members on Tuesday condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and called for decisive and sustained efforts to combat it.

During the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi on Tuesday, the member states — India, the US, Japan and Australia, stated that Quad remains concerned about the proliferation of online scam centres in Southeast Asia and surrounding regions which are connected to the spread of other transnational crime, including trafficking in persons, drug trafficking, sexual extortion, illicit financing, and other forms of cybercrime.

According to the joint statement released following the meeting, the Ministers announced that the Quad will deepen cooperation, particularly law enforcement and regulatory engagement, including strengthening partners’ ability to combat online scam centres and related transnational organised crime.

“We unequivocally condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism and the horrific terrorist attacks perpetrated at Pahalgam in India on 22 April 2025, and Bondi Beach in Australia on 14 December 2025. We call for decisive and sustained international efforts to combat terrorism in accordance with international law, including action against globally proscribed terrorists and terror entities and their proxies, affiliates, sponsors and financiers,” the statement read.

“We are committed to working together with our international and regional partners in a comprehensive manner to strengthen their capacity to prevent, detect and respond to threats posed by terrorism, violent extremists who engage in violent, criminal, or terrorist acts and by the use of emerging technologies for terrorist purposes,” the ministers further stated.

External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi participated in the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.

The Foreign Ministers of the Quad nations reiterated their support for a free and open Indo-Pacific and agreed to further enhance cooperation and advance concrete initiatives to deliver tangible benefits to the Indo-Pacific.

The joint statement released following the meeting said, “We remain seriously concerned about the situation in the East China Sea and the South China Sea. We reiterate our strong opposition to any destabilising or unilateral actions, including by force or coercion, that threaten peace and stability in the region.”

“We express our serious concerns regarding dangerous and coercive actions, including interference with offshore resource development, the repeated obstruction of freedom of navigation and overflight, and the dangerous manoeuvres by military aircraft and coast guard and maritime militia vessels, especially the unsafe use of water cannons and flares, and ramming or blocking actions in the South China Sea. We are seriously concerned by the militarisation of disputed features,” it added.

The ministers discussed the situation in West Asia and reaffirmed their support for ongoing diplomatic efforts. They stressed the importance of adhering to international law as mentioned in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) with respect to navigational rights and freedoms, and the safety and uninterrupted flow of global commerce through the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea.

They condemned the attacks on commercial shipping vessels and oppose any measures that are inconsistent with UNCLOS, including the imposition of tolls.

SRINAGAR, MAY 26: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Tuesday met several delegations at his Public Services and Outreach Office (Raabita) here and held discussions on matters relating to banking, youth development, heritage conservation, and the promotion of art and culture in Jammu and Kashmir.

Managing Director and CEO of J&K Bank, Amitava Chatterjee, called on the Chief Minister during a courtesy meeting. Various issues concerning the banking sector, financial outreach and customer services were discussed. The MD & CEO briefed the Chief Minister on efforts to further strengthen the Bank’s operations across Jammu and Kashmir for improved customer experience and service delivery.

Director General of the National Cadet Corps (NCC), Lt. Gen. Virendra Vats, accompanied by Additional Director General, NCC Directorate J&K and Ladakh, Maj. Gen. Anupinder Bevli, also met the Chief Minister. The delegation discussed matters relating to NCC activities, youth engagement and the expansion of cadet initiatives across Jammu and Kashmir.

A delegation from the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), led by its Convener and Head, Saleem Beg, and Principal Architect, Sameer Hamdani, gave a detailed presentation to the Chief Minister on the preservation and restoration of heritage assets in Kashmir.

The delegation also highlighted concerns regarding water management in the Mughal Gardens of Kashmir in the context of climate change and stressed the need for sustainable conservation measures.

The Chief Minister assured the visiting delegation that the government remains committed to the preservation, protection and promotion of the rich artistic, cultural and architectural heritage of Jammu and Kashmir.

New Delhi, May 26: The Delhi High Court on Tuesday allowed Baramulla MP Abdul Rashid Sheikh, popularly known as Engineer Rashid, to avail a fresh spell of interim bail from June 25 to June 30 to attend the Chehlum (40th-day) rituals and ceremonies following his father’s demise.

A division bench of Justices Prathiba M. Singh and Madhu Jain directed that Rashid, who is currently on interim bail till June 2, shall surrender before the jail authorities upon expiry of the present relief period and would thereafter be released again on interim bail from June 25 to June 30.

The Delhi High Court further said that Rashid would not be required to furnish a fresh personal bond or surety if the same had already been furnished to the satisfaction of the Jail Superintendent pursuant to the previous order.

It added that all conditions imposed in the earlier order dated May 18 would continue to operate during the fresh period of interim bail.

Senior advocate N. Hariharan, appearing for Rashid, submitted before the Justice Singh-led Bench that although Rashid had already attended the last rites, the 40th-day ceremony scheduled for June 27 was an important religious observance for the family.

He further highlighted that travel from custody to Srinagar and back to Tihar Jail would require additional time.

Opposing the plea, counsel for the NIA argued against the grant of further interim bail.

However, the Delhi High Court observed that granting a short period of relief in such circumstances would not be unreasonable.

As per the latest order, Rashid will be released on interim bail from June 25 to June 30, subject to the same stringent conditions imposed earlier.

In its order passed on May 18, the Delhi High Court had granted interim bail to Rashid till June 2 to enable him to attend the funeral and perform the last rites of his father, who passed away at AIIMS-Delhi. It had then directed that Rashid remain under continuous escort of at least two plainclothes police personnel during the entire interim bail period. It had also restricted his stay to his residences in Srinagar and Kupwara districts of Jammu and Kashmir and permitted him to visit only the burial ground or place of worship for performing customary rites.

The order had further directed Rashid to use only one mobile number, remain in contact with the Investigating Officer, and refrain from contacting witnesses or indulging in any unlawful activity.

Rashid, who is facing trial in a terror-funding case being investigated by the NIA, has remained in custody for several years and had earlier been granted custody parole on multiple occasions, including to attend Parliament sessions.

Srinagar, May 26: Jammu and Kashmir DGP Nalin Prabhat said on Tuesday that it was a proud moment for him to stand with the teams of rescuers, who undertook the most challenging task by safely rescuing 320 people from the stranded cable car cabins in Gulmarg.

“Honestly speaking, I didn’t believe we could complete the task before midnight. It is a proud moment for me to stand with you”, the DGP told teams of J&K Police, SDRF, NDRF, Army and the local rescuers.

“Teams from the Gulmarg police station were the first to reach the site, but they were immediately joined by the Army, J&K armed police, NDRF, SDRF and local rescuers. All of them worked in the most coordinated and professional manner to successfully complete the rescue operation and bring down 320 stranded people,” the police chief said.

Special DGP Javaid Mujtaba Gilani, Special DG and Commandant General Home Guards Abdul Ghani Mir, IGP Kashmir V.K.Birdi, and other senior police officers were present with the DGP during the supervision of the rescue operation.

The police chief said rescue on the ground is not as challenging and tough as the one to rescue people stranded in car cabins in difficult, mountainous terrain amid bad weather.

“We in J&K Police have always been given the toughest challenges, and we have always successfully completed them,” he said.

The DGP also congratulated personnel of Gulmarg Police Station, SOG, J&K Armed Police, Mountain Rescue Teams (MRTs), SDRF and other agencies for their extraordinary efforts during the six-hour-long operation.

“You may be tired, hungry and thirsty, but I am sure all of you are happy because you were given a purpose today and you achieved success,” he said.

He further announced that every person engaged in the rescue operation would receive the DG Commendation medal in recognition of their bravery and dedication.

He said those of the rescuers who already have DG’s commendation certificates would be rewarded through other means, like promotions, etc.

New Delhi, May 26: The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has introduced a series of user-friendly reforms under the PM-WANI (Prime Minister’s Wi-Fi Access Network Interface) framework aimed at expanding affordable and easier public Wi-Fi access across the country, the government said on Tuesday.

According to the Ministry of Communications, the new measures include QR-based authentication for secondary devices such as laptops, flexible short-duration Wi-Fi plans of 15, 30 and 60 minutes, and standardisation of PM-WANI hotspot names (SSIDs) to improve identification and reliability. The reforms have been notified by the DoT.

According to the government, all stakeholders have been directed to implement the revised guidelines within eight weeks, with full rollout expected by July 2026.

Under the updated framework, users will be able to connect laptops and other devices by scanning a QR code via an authenticated smartphone app, reducing login friction and improving ease of access, it said.

In addition, the DoT has advised hotspot operators to introduce sachet-style short-duration plans of 15, 30 and 60 minutes, aimed at commuters, students and users requiring brief internet access at public locations such as transit hubs and malls.

PM-WANI hotspot naming has also been standardised under a unified PM-WANI branding system to help users easily identify authentic networks and reduce confusion.

The reforms are part of the government’s continuing efforts to translate the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi into accessible and affordable digital connectivity for every citizen.

Under the leadership of Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region Jyotiraditya Scindia, the PM-WANI ecosystem is witnessing a comprehensive transformation focused on improving accessibility, interoperability, ease of use and citizen adoption.

Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani said PM-WANI is being positioned as a platform for universal public Wi-Fi access, with a focus on improving ease of use and adoption.

“QR-based login now lets you connect your laptop simply by scanning a code on your phone. We have also advised hotspot operators to offer short-duration plans of 15, 30 and 60 minutes,” he said.

The PM-WANI ecosystem, which operates through a distributed network of Public Data Offices (PDOs), PDO aggregators and app providers, is expected to see wider adoption with the rollout of the new reforms.

New Delhi, May 26: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday marked the completion of 12 years since the NDA government first assumed office at the Centre in 2014, describing the period as a journey of good governance, development and national transformation under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

As the BJP-led NDA government completed 12 years in office, the Centre also planned a nationwide outreach campaign under which Union ministers, BJP leaders, chief ministers and Members of Parliament will connect with people across the country to highlight what the government has described as its “22 major achievements” across sectors.

The campaign will focus on welfare schemes, infrastructure expansion, economic reforms, digital governance, foreign policy achievements and social sector initiatives undertaken during the tenure of the Modi government.

BJP National President Nitin Nabin extended greetings to Prime Minister Modi on the completion of 12 years in office, describing the journey as one from “resolve to achievement”.

“This era, which began on May 26, 2014, is not merely a change in governance but a historic moment of the nation’s reclaimed self-confidence and cultural renaissance under the illustrious leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” Nabin said in a post on X.

He said that guided by the principles of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas’ along with the vision of ‘Antyodaya’, the government had transformed policies into instruments of change for ordinary citizens.

Nabin also highlighted initiatives such as Jan Dhan, Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), Digital India and the government’s emphasis on balancing “Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi”.

“Today’s secure and capable India stands fully prepared to safeguard its sovereignty, backed by resolute strikes against terrorism and the rising valour of its armed forces. This 12-year journey of good governance and nation-first ethos now forms the strongest foundation for the grand resolve of Viksit Bharat at 2047,” he said.

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that May 26, 2014, marked the beginning of a new chapter in India’s developmental and civilisational journey as Narendra Modi took oath as Prime Minister and the country witnessed a decisive transformation in governance and leadership.

“From economic development and social welfare to a strong push for Aatmanirbhar Bharat and digital transformation, from infrastructure growth and decisive global leadership to a stronger national security framework, under his leadership, India has marched ahead with unprecedented speed and scale,” Singh said in a post on X.

He further said that India’s growth story had become broader, deeper and more inclusive over the past 12 years.

“Most importantly, under the leadership of PM Modi, the vision of Antyodaya has been realised in its truest sense. Millions who had remained unseen and unheard for decades became active participants in India’s growth story,” the Defence Minister stated.

Singh added that the vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas” had not remained just a slogan but had been reflected consistently in governance and policymaking.

“Today, India stands stronger, prouder and more self-confident than ever before. A ‘Pradhan-Sevak’, in the truest sense, Modi Ji has dedicated every moment of his life to the service of Maa Bharati and her people. His tireless commitment, unwavering resolve and selfless devotion towards the nation continue to inspire millions,” he added.

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan described the last 12 years as a journey dedicated to service, good governance and the welfare of the poor.

“Today, these 12 glorious years of this illustrious journey are being completed, during which the entire country is imbued with enthusiasm and national pride,” Chouhan said in a post on X.

He said that over the past 12 years, India had moved away from what he described as the era of “policy paralysis” and embraced the mantra of “Reform, Perform, Transform”.

According to Chouhan, the 12-year period represented a “golden era” of India’s reconstruction, public welfare and the vision of a developed India.

“These 12 years have borne witness to the empowerment of the person at the farthest end and the realisation of the resolve of ‘Antyodaya’,” he stated.

He further said that the Modi government, guided by the principle of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’, had transformed the lives of villagers, farmers, women, poor families and youth across the country.

“The Prime Minister has scripted a new saga of development and public welfare, from Jan Dhan accounts to Ayushman Bharat, and from PM Awas Yojana to the Digital India revolution. Today, under the Prime Minister’s leadership, the country is rapidly advancing toward the goal of a Viksit Bharat,” Chouhan added.