New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his “confidence and certainty” over the outcomes of scrapping Article 370, which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir.  In an interview to Economic Times, PM also cleared the air around the decision on 370 and assured that it was “Purely a domestic decision”. “Let me tell you I have taken this decision after great deal of thought and I am quite certain about it and will take it forward for the benefit of the people” he said.

 Development in Jammu and Kashmir:

PM said that with scrapping of 370 and opening of Jammu and Kashmir’s market to the rest of the world, will lead to a boost in the economy of the region and will henceforth lead to its development. “I am very confident of this happening. In fact, leading entrepreneurs have already expressed their interest in investing in Jammu and Kashmir”.

PM said that open market will also lead to progress of the youth of Jammu and Kashmir.  “In today’s world, economic growth cannot happen in a closed environment. Open minds and open markets will ensure that the youth of the region will put it on the path of greater progress. Integration gives a boost to investment, innovation and incomes”.

Higher investments:

 PM also said that conditions like stability, market access, and predictable laws will lead to more investments in Jammu and Kashmir. “The recent decision on Article 370 has ensured all these are present and so investment will definitely flow, especially since the region offers investment opportunities in various domains like tourism, agriculture, IT, healthcare to name a few”.

 Boost in education system:

PM further focused on the education sector and said that, with Jammu and Kashmir opening to the rest of the nation, there will be betterment in the field of education and “Better avenues of education like IIT, IIM, AIIMS will not only give more educational opportunities to the youth, but also give the region a better workforce”.