SRINAGAR: Prime Minister announced a package of Rs 80,068 crore as special development assistance to J&K on November 7, 2015 for development of infrastructure and institutions of higher learning. There are 63 projects included in the package covering various sectors viz. Road, Power, Renewal Energy, Health, Education, Water Resources and Tourism etc. Till date, an amount of Rs. 66,300 crore has been sanctioned. 13 projects have already been completed, 44 projects are under implementation and 6 very complex projects are under various stages of processing. Major initiatives/projects, inter alia, include:-
(i) Setting up of two AIIMS like institutions at an estimated cost of Rs 4000 crore.
(ii) Establishment of an IIT and IIM in the State at an estimated cost of Rs 2000 crore.
(iii) Construction of Zojila tunnel connecting Srinagar with Leh at an estimated cost of Rs 9000 crore.
(iv) Jammu-Akhnoor-Poonch Road at an estimated cost of Rs 5100 crore.
(v) Construction of tunnels at Lachulunga pass and Tanglang pass at an estimated cost of Rs 5000 crore.
(vi) Construction of ring road in Jammu and Srinagar at an estimated cost of Rs 3750 crore.
(vii) Kargil-Zanskar Road at an estimated cost of Rs 4200 crore.
(viii) Udhampur-Ramban-Banihal Road at an estimated cost of Rs 4306 crore.
(ix) Qazigund-Banihal Road at an estimated cost of Rs 2410 crore.
(x) 1000 MW Pakal Dul Hydro Power Project at an estimated cost Rs 8100 crore for which equity contribution of Rs 1192 crore will be made by Government of India.
(xi) Augmentation of power distribution infrastructure at an estimated cost of Rs 3500 crore.
(xii) Srinagar-Leh 200 KV power transmission line at an estimated cost of Rs 1800 crore.
In addition to PM’s Development Package, many other important projects such as Shahpurkandi and Ujh Dam Project for irrigation and Hydro power, Ratle Hydro power, Dal Lake Rejuvenation have also been sanctioned.
Several schemes like Udaan, Himayat and PMKVY are also being undertaken for skilling the youth of the State, thereby facilitating their employment. Youth and Students from the State are being taken to different parts of the Country under cultural exchange programmes. Sports activities have also been given major thrust.
The above initiatives along with initiatives taken in Social Sector as well as the strengthening of Panchayati Raj Institution by devolution of more powers are expected to bring qualitative change in the lives of the people of the State.
