Rs 200 crore for unity malls in Srinagar, Jammu
Jammu Tawi, Dec 31: In a major boost to disaster resilience and infrastructure rebuilding, the Central Government has approved an allocation of over Rs 1,430 crore for Jammu and Kashmir for reconstruction of damaged public assets and implementation of long-term disaster mitigation measures. The assistance has been sanctioned on the recommendations of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) following recent natural calamities in the Union Territory.
The development was reviewed during a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, attended by all Administrative Secretaries, to assess the progress of key financial reform initiatives, including Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) and SNA SPARSH.
Principal Secretary, Finance, Santosh D. Vaidya informed the meeting that after cloudbursts and other weather-related disasters, an Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) visited J&K and recommended that the calamities be declared “severe.” This enabled the approval of substantial central assistance for reconstruction and mitigation works across affected districts.
The Chief Secretary thanked the Government of India and the MHA for timely support, stating that the funds would significantly strengthen disaster preparedness while enabling large-scale restoration of roads, power infrastructure, water supply systems and other public assets. He directed the Department of Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (DMRR&R) and the School Education Department to identify eligible mitigation works and ensure completion by August 2026, in line with guidelines.
Emphasising efficient fund utilisation, Dulloo asked departments to fully utilise the first instalment of Rs 944 crore released under SASCI and to process at least one bill under pending centrally sponsored schemes through SNA SPARSH by January 7, 2026. The Finance Department was directed to monitor progress daily. Departments were also urged to identify projects for the next financial year, prioritising works that can be completed within a single year.
Providing an update, the Finance Principal Secretary said 222 projects across 27 departments have been approved under SASCI, including 162 ongoing and 60 new works. Of the Rs 944 crore released, expenditure of Rs 758 crore has already been recorded. Departments were advised to expedite implementation of projects showing zero expenditure to ensure timely utilisation.
The meeting was also informed that based on J&K’s progress in utilising the initial loan of Rs 1,431 crore, the Government of India has approved an additional allocation under SASCI 2025–26, subject to faster implementation of capital works and Aadhaar-based payments under CSS and DBT schemes.
Under Part-II reforms, J&K has been included in the Unity Mall initiative, with special assistance of up to Rs 200 crore approved for setting up Unity Malls in Srinagar and Jammu. Further, reforms in the mining sector have earned the UT Rs 100 crore, while achievements under the Digital Crop Survey have led to approval of Rs 60 crore for digital agriculture initiatives.
Reiterating commitment to financial discipline and reforms, the Chief Secretary said the UT would ensure effective utilisation of central assistance to enhance resilience and sustainable development across Jammu and Kashmir.
