‘I ensure there will be no injustice, every sector to witness equitable development, Rs 200 Cr kept for DDC’s, Rs 1312 Cr for Panchayat Raj institutions, Budget 20-21 historic, Quantum jump of grants compared to previous year’
Jammu Tawi, Mar 25: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinah Thursday said that his government is committed to ensure democracy flourishes from the grassroots level and Panchayats will be strengthened further so that every village is developed with very less interference of bureaucracy.
He also said that all sectors will see a major push given the extra budget announced by the Government of India. “We are taking the development to its grassroots level. Union Government has kept a provision of Rs 200 Crore for DDCs and Rs 1312 crores for Panchayat institutions of J&K UT. I will ensure that the decision making body remains the local representatives of people and there is very less interference of bureaucrats,” LG Sinha told reporters in Jammu.
He said that budgetary provisions of all sectors are much higher than previous years. “There will be equitable development of all sectors and no injustice to any district region,” LG Sinha said.
Asked about the rise in Covid-19 cases, he said the administration will ensure that the vaccination process will be further pushed.
J&K LG termed Rs 1,08,621 cr Budget approved by the Central Government as historic. “This is a budget to rebuild the economy, create jobs and secure the future of the people of Jammu & Kashmir,” he said, adding that “The quantum jump in the allocation of Budget in all sectors itself speaks about the strong resolve of the Hon’ble Prime Minister towards the development of J&K.”
He said that J&K has been getting a larger per capita budget than other states even in the past. “It will be ensured that the work is being done on ground and the money is utilized for the welfare of the people without discrimination, besides tapping the potential of the sectors which are less explored,” said the Lt Governor.
The LG said that the enhanced budget will go a long way in making J&K self-sufficient, thus contributing towards Prime Minister’s goal of AtmnaNirbhar Bharat, added the Lt Governor.
Speaking on the budget allocation for Jal Shakti Department, the Lt Governor remarked that with the quantum jump of Rs 5102 cr, taking the total to Rs 6346 cr, the Government is eyeing to achieve the target under Prime Minister’s ambitious ‘Har Ghar Nal se Jal’ programme within the timeframe.
“100 % saturation under ‘Har Ghar Nal se Jal’ in 13 districts of the UT will be completed this year, announced the Lt Governor. Working in this direction, Village Action Plan and 4048 Paani Samitis have already been established, he added. He informed that the provision of Rs 2008 cr has been kept for Agriculture & Horticulture sectors, which is Rs 695 cr more than the previous Budget’s allocation. For Rural Development, Rs 4817 cr is allocated, which is Rs 342 cr more. Tourism sector witnessed a hike of Rs 509 cr , taking the budget allocation to Rs 786 cr. Speaking on the Health & Medical Education sector, the Lt Governor observed that this sector witnessed major transformation in the last two years. And, for the year 2021-22, the sector has an allocation of Rs 1456 cr , around Rs 190 cr more than the previous one.
He said that Rs 120 cr increase for the Power sector takes its total allocation to Rs 2728 cr. However, approved projects worth Rs 54,000 crore to generate 3500 Megawatt in three to four years to make J&K power surplus is a separate entity, said the Lt Governor. Underscoring the targets set by the Government aimed at creating more livelihood opportunities and accelerating the development process, the Lt Governor said that as many as 25,000 youth of the UT have been provided with financial support under various schemes to start their own businesses and this year, we aim to double the opportunities for the youth.
The J&K LG said that government is also aiming to strengthen the road network across the UT. The targets of completion of 4500 km length of road under PMGSY, providing road connectivity to 150 unconnected villages, blacktopping of 8000 km road length, developing pot-hole free roads connecting District Headquarters, Tehsils, & Blocks in Jammu & Srinagar are being set for this year, besides dedicated focus will be laid on prominent tourist places, the Lt Governor maintained.
“The Lt Governor also spoke on the Power generation, distribution and transmission. He said that the government is making untiring efforts to provide 24×7 quality electricity to the people of J&K in the coming years. The Government is reaching out to the unconnected habitations to provide electricity through the grid,” he added. “On growth and promotion of the sports sector, the Lt Governor announced that a comprehensive mechanism is being laid down for engaging 15 lakhs boys & girls in different sports activities in adherence to all the COVID related SoPs.”
