TOWARDS VIKSIT J&K BY 2047

In the ever-evolving journey of development, data has emerged as the most trusted compass, guiding policy, planning, and implementation with clarity and precision. In this spirit, the recent high-level review meeting convened by the leadership in Jammu and Kashmir marks a significant departure from generic, top-down planning models. The emphasis placed on data-centric, district-level planning underscores a mature understanding of the region’s diverse socio-economic landscape and the need for tailored developmental approaches. It also reflects an inclusive vision—one where no district is left behind, and every pocket of the Union Territory contributes meaningfully to the larger dream of a Viksit Jammu and Kashmir by 2047.

The deliberations brought together senior bureaucrats, planning experts, and district officials under one platform to examine and refine the tools and frameworks necessary for measuring progress. What stood out was the call for short-term, district-specific goals based on credible data, allowing for a more dynamic and responsive governance system. It is this shift—from abstract ambitions to actionable micro-goals—that could define Jammu and Kashmir’s growth trajectory in the coming decades. Rather than waiting for distant milestones, the administration now seeks to work through calibrated steps, evaluating progress in real time, and correcting the course when needed. This not only instills accountability but also fosters a culture of consistent performance. The detailed presentations on initiatives such as the Sustainable Development Goals Coordination Centre (SDGCC), District Domestic Product (DDP), and the District Good Governance Index (DGGI) illustrated the depth of information now available to policymakers. Far from being mere statistical exercises, these tools hold the potential to illuminate gaps, celebrate local successes, and enable evidence-based policy realignment. Particularly commendable is the interpretation of the Good Governance Index not as a competitive ranking but as an instrument for continuous improvement. By viewing governance as a spectrum—from good to better rather than good to bad—the focus shifts to progress and support, encouraging weaker districts to learn from stronger counterparts without stigma. Moreover, the guidance to line departments and district administrations to integrate findings from initiatives like Mission Yuva into their planning processes signals a forward-thinking approach. Youth-centric data, when harnessed properly, can serve as both a mirror and a map, revealing present challenges and pointing to future priorities. When departments are encouraged to reorient their schemes based on such insights, the result is not just better governance, but more compassionate and meaningful service delivery. This form of planning, rooted in the lived realities of citizens and not confined to abstract metrics, has the power to transform governance from an administrative function into a human-centered mission. Another critical takeaway from the review meeting was the emphasis on consistency. In the pursuit of transparency and credibility, the message was clear—once a performance measurement template is established, it must be preserved. Altering benchmarks or methodologies mid-course can dilute comparisons and reduce the impact of longitudinal assessments. By retaining standardized tools, the administration ensures that progress is not only measured accurately but also communicated with integrity. Such an approach also empowers departments to set clear expectations, track their performance against previous years, and take ownership of outcomes. It was encouraging to see the recognition of Jammu and Kashmir’s national ranking, positioned tenth across states and Union Territories. While the comparison among UTs may be limited due to differences in size and complexity, the broader national standing is a reminder that despite its unique challenges, the region is capable of holding its own. However, the tone was not one of complacency but of cautious optimism. Progress has been made, but the journey ahead demands greater resolve, sharper focus, and deeper collaboration. Finally, the appeal for adopting best practices from across the country, as shared by institutions like NITI Aayog and UNDP, reflects a pragmatic and humble stance. In the larger mission of nation-building, there is no shame in borrowing success. What matters is adaptation, not reinvention. Equally important is the readiness to offer back home-grown solutions to the national pool—an indicator that Jammu and Kashmir is not merely a recipient of development but an active contributor to it.

As we look ahead to 2047, the centenary year of India’s independence, the roadmap to a Viksit Jammu and Kashmir must be illuminated not just by data but by empathy, inclusiveness, and sustained civic participation. District-level planning, guided by reliable data and compassionate leadership, could well be the cornerstone of that vision. The decisions taken today, the frameworks respected tomorrow, and the reforms pursued consistently will shape the legacy of this ambitious journey.