SRINAGAR: The Central Government, on the recommendation of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), has approved over Rs 1,430 crore for the reconstruction of damaged public infrastructure and the implementation of disaster mitigation measures across affected districts of the Union Territory (UT).
The allocation was confirmed during a high-level review meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, attended by all Administrative Secretaries. The session assessed the progress of key reform-oriented financial initiatives, including the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) and SNA SPARSH schemes, monitored by the Finance Department and implemented across various UT departments.
Principal Secretary, Finance, Santosh D Vaidya, briefed the meeting on major milestones achieved by the UT in securing central financial support across multiple sectors. He highlighted that, following recent natural disasters such as cloudbursts, an Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) had visited Jammu and Kashmir. Based on its assessment, the MHA declared these calamities “severe,” paving the way for substantial funding for infrastructure reconstruction and long-term mitigation measures.
The Principal Secretary presented a detailed report on approvals received, expenditure incurred, and reform benchmarks achieved under centrally sponsored and reform-linked schemes. The Chief Secretary expressed gratitude to the Government of India and the MHA for the timely assistance, stating it would bolster the UT’s disaster preparedness and facilitate large-scale reconstruction of public assets, including roads, power infrastructure, and water supply systems.
Departments, particularly the Department of Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (DMRRR) and the School Education Department, were directed to identify eligible mitigation works under the approved funding and ensure completion by August 2026, in line with scheme guidelines.
The Chief Secretary urged all departments to fully utilise the first instalment of Rs 944 crore released under SASCI and process at least one pending bill under Centrally Sponsored Schemes through SNA SPARSH by 7 January 2026. The Finance Department has been tasked with daily monitoring of progress.
He emphasised the early identification of projects for the next financial year under SASCI, prioritising works that can be completed within a single year. The Principal Secretary reported that 222 works across 27 departments had been approved under SASCI, including 162 ongoing projects and 60 new works. Of the allocation, Rs 944 crore has been released as the first instalment, with Rs 758 crore already spent. Departments were urged to accelerate implementation, particularly 95 projects currently showing zero expenditure.
The Government of India has approved additional SASCI allocation for 2025–26 based on JK’s utilisation of the initial Rs 1,431 crore, contingent on expediting capital investments, implementing CSS in SPARSH mode, and initiating Aadhaar-based payments for CSS and DBT schemes.
The meeting also noted fresh approvals under Part-II reforms, including the inclusion of JK under the Unity Mall initiative, which provides up to Rs 200 crore for establishing Unity Malls in Srinagar and Jammu.
Progress in the mining sector was highlighted, with the Mining Department introducing a new Minor Mineral Policy featuring an auction-based allocation mechanism. In recognition of these reforms, the Government of India sanctioned Rs 100 crore under the Mining Sector Reforms component.
Under the Digital Public Infrastructure initiative for agriculture, JK is implementing the Farmers’ Registry and Digital Crop Survey, achieving milestones that led to approval of Rs 60 crore under this component.
The Chief Secretary reiterated the UT Government’s commitment to financial discipline, timely execution of reforms, and effective utilisation of central assistance to strengthen infrastructure, enhance resilience, and ensure sustainable development across Jammu and Kashmir.
