Srinagar- Road connectivity, enhancing hydropower capacity, investments in crores, thousands of jobs for youth— these are some of the major developments that have taken place in Jammu and Kashmir post abrogation of Article 370, according to the Government.
The data of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) , a copy of which lies with Kashmir Observer, reveals that in a fiscal year 92,560 works were completed in 2022-23 in J&K compared to 9229 in 2018-19.
Regarding the road connectivity, the MHA data reveals that the average time from Jammu to Srinagar was reduced from 8-10 hours to just 5-6 hours. Under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), 6,912 km of road length stands constructed during the last three years.
“19,096 km of road have been black-topped during the last four years. Daily average rate of macadamization has increased from 8.57 km per day till 2019 to 15.75 km per day during 2023,” according to the written reply by Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs Nityanand Rai to Rajya Sabha.
The MoS said that after constitutional changes, all Central laws have been applied in UT of J&K, 205 state laws were repealed and 130 state laws have been modified and applied.
“First time in the history of the Jammu and Kashmir, duly elected 3-tier Panchayati Raj System has been established in the Union territory. Both the Panchayats and Urban Local Bodies have been empowered by transfer of Funds, Functions and Functionaries as prescribed under the 73rd and 74th Amendment of the Constitution,” reads the response adding “ The UT of Jammu and Kashmir has focused on transparency in financial management by way of introduction of host of reforms and initiatives in the recent years which resulted in increase in the completion of projects”
Rai informed that around 177866 projects have been completed and the government has received Rs 3239.14 Cr investment so far.
Rai further said that over 302 bridges have been constructed during the last four years connecting the unconnected habitations. 875 projects worth Rs. 3,639 Crore have been sanctioned under NABARD.
Under the National Highway Development Programme, work on up- gradation of 5 expressways, ring roads for Jammu and Srinagar cities, 10 major and 11 other tunnels, 33 flyovers, and bypasses to 18 major towns is in progress, the government said.
On power infrastructure, the MoS said, out of 20,000 MW hydropower potential, J&K had been able to tap only 3,500 MW in 70 years. “In the last few years alone, projects for about 3,000 MW capacity have been revived, put on track,” they said.
The MoS said that the government successfully completed 100% electrification under SAUBHAGYA scheme, ensuring “last mile connectivity” and universal household electrification.
On the Industry sector, the MoS said that the Government of India has notified a New Central Sector Scheme for Industrial Development of UT on 19 February 2021 with an outlay of Rs. 28,400 crore to boost industrial development.
It said, during 2022-23, an investment of Rs.2,153 Crore has been materialized providing employment to more than 11,000 persons. “This has boosted the local economy and employment opportunities by increasing investment,” he said
On Tourism, the Government has notified Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Policy, 2020 to promote investments in the tourism sector.
“The policy aims to make J&K most preferred all-season tourist destination for domestic and foreign tourists; to attract investment and to generate local employment,” reads the response.
It said that more than 400 permissions stand issued to Production Houses for shooting of movies, web series, documentaries and music videos after the issuance of Film Policy in 2021 which provides ease of filming through a single window clearance system.
In the calendar year 2022, 26.73 lakh tourists have visited the Kashmir Valley, which is more than double the previous highest recorded so far, the government informed.
The MoS further added that during the current calendar year 2023 (Jan-June), 1.10 crore tourists have visited the UT of J&K so far, out of which 16,423 foreign tourists have visited the UT of J&K which is approximately 4 times more than the previous figure of 4,411 in the corresponding period.
On government employment, the minister said that after the formation of the UT, a large-scale recruitment drive has been carried out and the Government of Jammu and Kashmir has filled 29,295 vacancies. Recruiting agencies have advertised 7,924 vacancies and examinations in respect of 2,504 vacancies have been conducted.
Self Employment and Self-Help Groups (SHG): Employment generation has been given a priority during these years. Unemployment Rate (Usual Principal Status) in J&K declined to 5.2 per cent, he said.
The minister said 2,649 Kashmiri migrants have been appointed in various departments under the Prime Minister’s Development Package till date.
Till date, 2,896 Kanals and 6.75 Marlas of migrant land has been retrieved from encroachments and illegal occupation. Specialized grievance portal has been created for allowing Kashmiri migrants to register complaints related to illegal land encroachment, the MoS said.
He said the monthly monetary compensation for the relief category of Kashmiri migrants has been increased from Rs.6,600 to Rs.13,000.
Rai added that the Government of India’s unstinted support in accelerating the pace of development in Jammu & Kashmir has resulted in transformation of the UT on all fronts.
He further said that the Government is fully committed to the overall development of the newly created Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and has taken several initiatives in this regard.
Follow this link to join our WhatsApp group: Join Now
Be Part of Quality Journalism |
Quality journalism takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce and despite all the hardships we still do it. Our reporters and editors are working overtime in Kashmir and beyond to cover what you care about, break big stories, and expose injustices that can change lives. Today more people are reading Kashmir Observer than ever, but only a handful are paying while advertising revenues are falling fast. |
| ACT NOW |
| MONTHLY | Rs 100 |  |
| YEARLY | Rs 1000 | |
| LIFETIME | Rs 10000 | |
