Saima Bhat
Despite being the main attraction for tourists and government claims of equitable development across all the 22 districts of the state, Srinagar district has got the least share under district plan in last three years.
In the years 2009-12, Srinagar has got, the least funds under district planning, Rs 14329.84 lakhs while as Jammu got a share of Rs 26552.53 lakhs and Ladakh got Rs 22006.81 Lakhs regardless the fact the population in Srinagar district is more than the population living in Jammu and Ladakh districts.
For the three consecutive years, Jammu district has taken the lion’s share- almost double than what was allocated to district Srinagar.
Revealing the figures in response to question asked by a lawmaker, Mohammad Ashraf Mir, Srinagar in 2009 was given Rs 4217.54 Lakhs, Jammu and Ladakh got Rs 7292.33 Lakhs and Rs 7130.96 Lakhs respectively.
In 2010, Rs 9265.57 lakhs and Rs 7335.31 Lakhs were allocated to Jammu and Ladakh respectively, while Srinagar got only Rs 4547.24 lakhs. In 2011 the ratio was again 1:2, Srinagar was provided an amount of Rs 5565.06 lakhs, Jammu Rs9994.63 Lakhs and Ladakh Rs 7540.34 Lakhs.
The allocation of funds for Srinagar is even lesser than the newly districts formed like Ganderbal, Bandipora, Samba and Kathua.
