Planning Commission approves Rs. 6000 cr annual plan for J-K

Jammu, Jun 18 (ANI): Endorsing the Jammu and Kashmir Government's requirement of pursuing a vibrant and effective developmental agenda, the Planning Commission today approved the size of current year's annual plan for the state at Rs. 6000 crore, increasing the allocation by approximately nine per cent (Rs. 500 crore) in comparison to the previous year.

The Centre will also make an additional Special Plan Assistance of Rs. 4606 crore available to the State, over and above Jammu and Kashmir's entitlement for fully funding the plan. Additionally, the State is going to receive Rs. 1200 crore under Prime Minister's Reconstruction Plan (PMRP).

This was decided at a high level meeting between Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Deputy Chairman of Planning Commission Dr. Montek Singh Ahluwalia here this afternoon.

The Planning Commission appreciated the efforts being put in by the state government for translating development measures into concrete and positive outcomes.

The plan allocation decided today demonstrates focused attention on areas like roads, energy, water supply, health and education. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, it may be recalled, has time and again put these areas on the top agenda of his government. The plan allocations also envision public-private-partnership (PPP) in these sectors.

In this regard, the Planning Commission noted the roll out of the Sher-e-Kashmir Employment and Welfare Policy in a very positive way, particularly the elements of the Policy framework that address the needs and aspirations of the educated unemployed in the State.

The meeting reviewed with satisfaction the implementation of state sector in PMRP, which includes completion of Baglihar-I, Khanabal-Pahalgam Road, 11 Degree Colleges and 6 ITIs in the State. Projects like Narbal-Tangmarg Road, two-room tenements, 13 more Degree Colleges and 8 ITIs are also expected to be completed by this year.

Wrapping up the deliberations, Dr. Ahluwalia appreciated the efforts of the State Government in bringing financial discipline and accountability. (ANI)