33 projects completed, remaining to be finished soon
SRINAGAR, FEB 6: In a major boost to infrastructure development in Jammu and Kashmir, the Prime Minister’s Development Package has been provided significant funding for bridging the infrastructure gap in the Union Territory.
Under this Package, an amount of Rs 46,981 crore was released for 53 projects out of which Rs. 45,448 crore has already been utilized as of December 2023. Out of the 53 projects sanctioned under the Package, 33 projects have been completed with the allotted funds.
The Prime Minister’s Development Package for Jammu and Kashmir was announced in 2015 with a total outlay of Rs 80,068 crore covering key infrastructure projects including roads, power, health, tourism, agriculture and other sectors. The implementation of the Package has gathered pace in the last few years, especially after J&K’s transition into a Union Territory.
According to officials, the completion of these projects will significantly improve connectivity, electricity access, health infrastructure, and tourism facilities in J&K. The Package is being implemented with the aim of bridging the development gap in J&K and bringing its infrastructure at par with other states/UTs of the country.
The Prime Minister’s Development Package for Jammu and Kashmir initially consisted of 63 projects with a total outlay of Rs. 80,068 crore. However, after the reorganization of J&K into two Union Territories, 53 projects with an outlay of Rs. 58,477 crore were allocated to the UT of J&K. The remaining 9 projects with an outlay of Rs. 21,441 crore were transferred to the UT of Ladakh.
Officials have noted that most projects under the Package have gained momentum in recent years due to steps taken to resolve issues like land acquisition, clearances, court cases etc. This has helped in the timely implementation of projects.
The Border Area Development Programme (BADP) also aims to meet special developmental needs and promote security in border areas of J&K through convergence of various central, state and local schemes.
The objectives of the PMDP include expanding economic and social infrastructure, providing basic services, generating employment, rehabilitating flood victims of 2014, and strengthening the disaster management framework in J&K. It seeks balanced development of all three regions of the erstwhile state.
The Ministry of Home Affairs oversees the implementation of PMDP projects, while individual projects are implemented by respective Central Ministries. The progress is regularly monitored to ensure timely completion.
