The Kashmir Pulse

SRINAGAR — The Jammu and Kashmir People's Democratic Party (JKPDP) president and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has written a letter to Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Union Railways Minister, addressing a crucial matter concerning land acquisition for a railway project in the Reshi Pora, Zainpora area of Shopian district in Jammu & Kashmir.

In her letter, Mufti highlighted the significant impact of the proposed land acquisition on the livelihoods of individuals in the affected area. The land in question is primarily used for apple cultivation, which serves as the main source of income and survival for the residents.

Mufti expressed concern over the potential adverse effects of the land acquisition, emphasizing that displacement from their ancestral lands would cause immense hardship to the affected families, who rely on horticulture, agriculture, and allied activities for their livelihoods.

She urged the Indian Railways to consider altering the alignment of the railway line to minimize the impact on the affected communities. Mufti suggested that a slight change in the route could mitigate the adverse effects on the livelihoods of these individuals significantly.

In the event that altering the alignment is not feasible, Mufti stressed the importance of providing suitable and adequate compensation to those affected by the land acquisition. She emphasized the need for fair compensation packages to ensure that the affected families can sustain themselves and rebuild their lives elsewhere.

Acknowledging the significance of infrastructure development projects like railways in enhancing connectivity and promoting economic growth, Mufti underscored the importance of prioritizing the welfare and rights of the communities directly impacted by such projects.

She requested urgent attention and intervention from Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw to address the concerns raised by the affected people, seeking a mutually beneficial solution.

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BUDGAM — In a landmark day for the railways' sector, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday launched the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme and laid the foundation stone for the redevelopment of 508 railway stations across the country under the scheme, through video conferencing, at a cost of more than Rs 24,470 crores.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha attended the ceremony at an event at Budgam Railway Station. In his address, the Lt Governor expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for including three stations of J&K UT, Jammu Tawi, Udhampur and Budgam under Amrit Bharat Station Scheme.

He said the redevelopment of railway stations in the UT will give a huge boost to connectivity and ease of travel for passengers. “I believe railway connectivity is the lifeline of a society. A railway line not only strengthens connectivity with different regions but it also brings economic prosperity and transforms standard of living and creates a new destiny of the concerned region,” the Lt Governor said.

The Lt Governor highlighted the ongoing railway projects and the overall transformation taking place in the railway sector. "Under the guidance of the Hon’ble Prime Minister, we are witnessing rail projects of unprecedented magnitude in Kashmir Valley," he said.

“Kashmir will be connected to Kanyakumari by the end of this financial year. It will connect the valley with all important commercial centres of the country,” the Lt Governor added.

He further informed that the Railway Board has sanctioned five Final Location Survey works in Kashmir: Doubling of Baramulla-Banihal Railway Line, New Baramulla-Uri, Awantipora-Shopian, Sopore-Kupwara and Anantnag-Bijbehara-Pahalgam Rail Line. "Once approved, the new networks will boost rail connectivity in the valley," he added.

He also shared the reforms introduced by the UT Administration to strengthen the air and road connectivity catering to the growing aspirations of the people.

Nazir Ahmad Khan, Chairman, District Development Council, Budgam; Vijay Kumar, ADGP Jammu; Vijay Bidhuri, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Akshay Labroo, Deputy Commissioner Budgam; Vijay Pratap Singh, Principal Chief Engineer Northern Railway, PRI members, youth and people in large numbers were present.

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NEW DELHI — Amid controversy over the invitation of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, the Sealdah metro station of the East-West Metro corridor, was inaugurated by Union Minister Smriti Irani on Monday, which will help the daily commuters in the busy route.

“The Indian Railways enhanced new infrastructure options for West Bengal’s development through this metro services, which will help more than 33,000 commuters. Sealdah is Asia’s busiest railway station. Keeping eye on increasing population, the Indian government, in an attempt to strengthen the infrastructure, has introduced this new communication system which was much needed,” Union Minister for Women & Child Welfare Smriti Irani said, after inaugurating the much-awaited Metro railway station.

Commercial services at the swanky Sealdah metro station, connecting the IT hub of Sector V, will begin on July 14. It is a part of the East-West corridor, a part of which is built under the Hooghly River, which is the first of its kind in India.

Centre empowering women and children: Smriti Irani

Irani also touched upon how the PM Narendra Modi-ruled Central government has empowered women and children in the country, including in West Bengal. She also spoke about PM Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKY), through which Indian citizens have been receiving free rations. “In West Bengal, 72 lakh people are receiving free ration from the Central government’s scheme PMGKY for last 25 months,” Irani said.

https://twitter.com/RailMinIndia/status/1546468866465107968

It is pertinent to mention that the Mamata Banerjee government always claimed that free ration was distributed by the State government.

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“Jal Jeevan Mission has enabled more than 1.77 crore people to receive clean tap water at their homes in both rural and urban areas of the State. Around 4.5 crore people have benefitted through the Jan Dhan programme,” the minister said.

Controversy erupts over 'last moment' invitation to Mamata Banerjee

Meanwhile, controversy erupted over inviting the Bengal Chief Minister at the last moment and the CM's name was missing from the invitation card. “I have also been invited at the last moment,” Union Minister for Women & Child Welfare Smriti Irani said, asked about the invitation controversy.

https://twitter.com/JGMTMCP/status/1546507273337393155

However, Eastern Railways Public Relations Officer Eklabya Chakraborty claimed the State Chief Minister and Governor have been invited to the programme. “Only names of the local MLAs and MPs are mentioned in the invitation card,” he added.

“It is misconduct in the name of inauguration. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was a Railway Minister and the project was close to her heart,” Firhad Hakim, Kolkata Mayor & Trinamool Minister said.

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