SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has issued a directive standardising the role and operations of the Jammu and Kashmir Architects Organisation, making it mandatory for government departments and agencies to utilise its services for public infrastructure projects across the Union Territory.
The order, issued by the Housing and Urban Development Department (H&UDD), follows Government Order No. 58-JK(HUD) of 2026 and a resolution approved by the Council of Ministers.
Under the directive, all government departments, public sector undertakings and executing agencies have been directed to avail the architectural, design and master-planning services of the J&K Architects Organisation for public sector projects.
The organisation has been designated as the nodal technical body for providing architectural consultancy, comprehensive design services and technical vetting of projects.
According to the order, government agencies seeking to engage private architectural firms will be required to obtain a prior No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Jammu and Kashmir Architects Organisation before proceeding with such engagements.
The government has also approved a uniform consultancy fee of one per cent of the total project cost for works in which architectural and consultancy services are provided by the organisation.
Officials said the directive is part of a broader restructuring and reorganisation framework approved by the government to streamline the execution of public infrastructure projects and strengthen institutional mechanisms within the urban development sector.
The measure is aimed at ensuring greater architectural oversight, standardisation of design practices and adherence to regional and sustainable planning guidelines in government-funded projects across Jammu and Kashmir.
The Housing and Urban Development Department said the new framework is expected to improve resource utilisation, enhance institutional efficiency and strengthen technical scrutiny of upcoming public works and urban development initiatives in the Union Territory.
