SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Thursday approved grants for multiple departments, including Public Works, Industries and Commerce, Labour and Employment, Skill Development, and Mining, through a voice vote following a day-long debate.
The total grants sanctioned include Rs 5,29,842.67 lakh for the Public Works Department (PWD), Rs 86,615.70 lakh for Industries and Commerce, Rs 28,526.22 lakh for Labour and Employment, Rs 19,881.72 lakh for Skill Development, and Rs 6,492.81 lakh for the Mining Department.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, who oversees these departments, thanked the legislators for their suggestions and assured that their feedback would inform project implementation.
He highlighted the government’s focus on strengthening road infrastructure, boosting industrial investment and MSME growth, promoting entrepreneurship through Mission YUVA, developing the Skill Development ecosystem to meet market demands, preserving traditional crafts, and promoting sustainable mining practices.
On infrastructure, the Deputy CM noted that over 40,000 km of roads have been developed in Jammu and Kashmir, with 18 major MoRTH projects underway and 22 strategic bridges inaugurated, improving connectivity to remote areas and enhancing defense mobility. Under PMGSY, 3,570 projects covering 20,250 km have been completed, while 2,513 habitations are targeted for all-weather road connectivity. Additional projects under NABARD, CRIF, SASCI, and Capex 2025–26 are ongoing, and post-August 2025 rainfall damages, restoration works worth over Rs 1,000 crore have been initiated.
On Industries and Commerce, the Deputy CM highlighted record investment growth, with Rs 5,349 crore invested by January 2026, nearly 12 times the pre-2020 average. Under the NCSS, 971 applications involving Rs 14,292 crore have been registered. MSME formalisation and startup initiatives have expanded, with 6 lakh Udyam registrations, 1,342 startups—including 490 women-led—and support for handloom and handicraft artisans through financial and market interventions. JK ranked 5th nationally in the Business Reform Action Plan.
In Skill Development, over 90,000 youth were trained in traditional and emerging sectors, including AI, cybersecurity, and green jobs. Heritage Craft courses were revived in 25 units, and apprenticeship programs engaged 541 establishments. Government Polytechnics and ITIs are being upgraded with modern equipment, hostels, and language labs, while skill assessments and awards at national competitions reinforce quality training.
On Labour & Employment, 36.28 lakh unorganised workers are registered on the e-Shram portal. The government has disbursed nearly Rs 1,000 crore to support 17,200 enterprises, implemented night shelters and model labour sarais, and promoted entrepreneurship units expected to employ 4.5 lakh youth over the next five years.
The Mining Department focused on sustainable mineral use, policy reforms, and digitisation. The Integrated Mining Surveillance System (IMSSS) and mobile app portal monitor operations, prevent illegal mining, and enable penalties. Satellite alerts led to field checks and fines of over Rs 1.10 crore. Since 2020–21, 238 RBM blocks were auctioned, granting 208 mining leases. New e-auctions for limestone, lithium, lignite, marble, sapphire, granite, graphite, and biogenic gas are underway, expected to generate significant revenue in 2026–27.
The Deputy Chief Minister emphasised that these measures aim to foster inclusive economic growth, infrastructure development, employment generation, and sustainable resource management, ensuring long-term socio-economic benefits for Jammu and Kashmir.
Following the debate, legislators withdrew their cut motions after receiving assurances from the Deputy Chief Minister regarding the proposed initiatives and fund utilisation.
