SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly has passed grants totaling Rs 2796.07 lakh for Information Technology, Rs 70312.76 lakh for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Rs 4048.90 lakh for ARI Trainings, Rs 12617.03 lakh for Transport, Rs 62154.91 lakh for Youth Services and Sports, and Rs 17279.10 lakh for Science and Technology departments.
The grants were approved after a detailed discussion in the House. Legislators raised concerns about issues in their respective constituencies. The cut motions on the grants were later withdrawn.
Cabinet Minister Satish Sharma said that the government is advancing digital transformation in Jammu and Kashmir. The IT Department has expanded online services from 60 to 1166, integrating mechanisms such as the Rapid Assessment System and Digi-Locker. Initiatives like e-Governance Centre of Excellence, digital connectivity improvements, and AI-driven public service enhancements were highlighted.
In the Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs sector, 16.64 lakh households in J&K benefit from the National Food Security Act, receiving free food grains under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana. The department also distributes subsidized food grains to 8.15 lakh Non-Priority Households. Reforms, including Aadhaar-linked Public Distribution System and One Nation One Ration Card, have been implemented.
The ARI Trainings Department is driving governance reforms, conducting inspections across 39 departments and finalizing recruitment rules for 15 services. The Jammu and Kashmir Board of Professional Entrance Examinations has processed thousands of admissions, with an e-counselling system set to be introduced.
The Transport Department oversees the Motor Vehicle Department, JKRTC, and State Motor Garages. It has signed an MoU worth Rs 100 crore with the Inland Waterways Authority to enhance transport and tourism. JKRTC plays a key role in providing economical transport services within and beyond J&K.
Youth Services & Sports engaged over 65.24 lakh youth in sports activities in 2024-25. Infrastructure projects such as Khel Gaon Nagrota and synthetic football fields are underway. Initiatives include Khelo India Centres and women’s participation in national and international competitions.
The Science and Technology Department is implementing renewable energy projects, including solarization of 22,000 government buildings and the PM-KUSUM scheme for solar agriculture pumps. The Biotechnology Park in Kathua and a Sub-Regional Science Centre in Srinagar are set for completion in the coming years.
Legislators including Qaiser Jamsheed Lone, Aijaz Ahmad Jan, Dalip Singh Parihar, Shamim Firdous, and others participated in the discussion. The Demand for Grants moved by Satish Sharma was passed by voice vote.
