PM’s package: Rs 19k cr released to state

New Delhi, April 27

The Centre has released an amount of nearly Rs 19,000 crore out of the Rs 80,000-crore development package for Jammu and Kashmir announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

This was disclosed at a high-level inter-ministerial meeting chaired by Home Minister Rajnath Singh here today, Home Ministry officials said.

Rajnath reviewed the progress of the implementation of the mega package and works of various development initiatives announced for Jammu and Kashmir, which has been witnessing unrest lately.

It was conveyed in the meeting that 25 per cent of funds from the total package, around Rs 19,000 crore, had been released so far and related works were going on, an official said.

The meeting was attended by representatives from various Central ministries and departments, and the state government.

The successful implementation of the package is key to assuage the feeling of alienation in Jammu and Kashmir, the officials said.

The state had witnessed violence during the April 9 byelection to the Srinagar Lok Sabha seat in which eight persons lost their lives.

There have been protests by students in the Valley in the last fortnight against alleged police excesses. Students, including girls, were seen throwing stones at security personnel in these incidents.

Massive protests erupted in Kashmir after the death of Hizbul Mujahideen militant Burhan Wani in an encounter in July last year which continued for nearly five months. More than 90 people lost their lives, while scores of security personnel and civilians were injured.

The Rs 80,000-crore package was announced by the Prime Minister in November 2015. So far, Rs 17,000 crore had been released to the state government by the Centre.

Around Rs 40,000 crore out of the Rs 80,000-crore package has been earmarked for improving road infrastructure, including semi-ring roads in Jammu and Srinagar, and upgradation of important highways.

An amount of Rs 7,854 crore has been earmarked for flood relief, reconstruction and flood management. A total of Rs 2,241 crore is meant for promoting tourism by developing new projects and tourist circuits, and setting up of 50 tourist villages.

In addition, Rs 11,708 crore is for power, new and renewable energy. This includes augmentation of power infrastructure and distribution systems, solar power and small hydro projects.

An amount of Rs 4,900 crore is for improving healthcare facilities in the state which includes creation of two AIIMS-like institutions in both major cities of the state, and support for creation of infrastructure in hospitals and primary health centres. — PTI