J&K Govt sends Rs 1,000 Cr proposal to finance Deptt for restoration of roads damaged in floods
STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: The Legislative Assembly on Thursday passed the grants amounting Rs. 5,29,842.67 lakh for Public Works, Rs. 86, 615.70 lakh for Industries and Commerce, Rs. 28, 526.22 lakh for Labour and Employment, Rs. 19,881.72 lakh for Skill Development and Rs. 6,492.81 lakh for Mining Departments through a voice vote.
The grants were passed after daylong debate and discussion by the Members in the House.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, who is incharge Minister for these departments, thanked the members for their suggestions and assured that their feedback would be considered for effective project implementation.
The Deputy Chief Minister, in his speech, said the Omar Abdullah led government aims to create a robust road network and connect habitations for enhanced socio-economic growth in the Union Territory. He highlighted the focus on Industries & Commerce to boost investment and MSME growth and efforts under Mission YUVA to promote entrepreneurship and employment in J&K.
The Deputy Chief Minister said that the Skill Development ecosystem is being strengthened to align with the market demand and preserve traditional crafts. Besides, emphasis is being given on sustainable resource utilization and policy reforms for infrastructure growth under the Mining sector.
He highlighted that development of quality and extensive road network in Jammu and Kashmir is vital, given the topography of the UT and limited scope for development of alternate means of transportation.
Speaking on grants of Public Works Department, the Deputy Chief Minister said that the PW(R&B) Department is mandated to develop a robust road network, connecting the habitations. He added that a well-developed network of roads is necessary not only for economic development of the UT but for its social, political and cultural development.
“Besides, constructing eco-friendly and cost effective government buildings, major thrust is being given to the schemes envisaging road connectivity to inaccessible and difficult areas for equitable development,” maintained the Deputy Chief Minister. The government has created over 40,000 km of road network in Jammu and Kashmir to improve surface connectivity, he said.
“Under Chief Minister’s guidance, we have achieved major milestones in J&K’s road infrastructure, completing several long-pending projects and improving the regional connectivity,” he said.
The Deputy Chief Minister said that 18 major MoRTH projects are in the pipeline during the current financial year. He added that 22 strategically important projects, primarily bridges have been inaugurated. “These assets have enhanced the civilian access to remote areas while simultaneously strengthening the defense preparedness and operational mobility,” he said.
Under PMGSY, 3,742 projects having aggregate length of 22,581 km have been sanctioned, 3570 projects have been completed thereby achieving a length of 20250 Km. Besides, the department has identified 2,513 eligible habitations for providing all-weather road connectivity, he added.
The Deputy Chief Minister said 1,145 NABARD projects worth Rs. 5,245 crore have been sanctioned, with 525 completed, including 372 projects completed during the last two years, and 620 ongoing. Under CRIF, 294 projects were sanctioned, with 211 completed upto March 2025 and 83 ongoing and over 100 new projects are in the pipeline.
The Deputy CM said that 41 projects (32 roads, 9 bridges) have been sanctioned under SASCI, with 4 completed and 37 ongoing. Under Capex 2025-26, 7,068 works were sanctioned, with 3,932 targeted for completion by March 2026.
“The ddepartment has received 2276 works having tentative cost of Rs. 2333.7 crore from the Finance Department on account of demand submitted by the MLAs during budget discussion 2025-26,” told the Dy CM.
He said J&K faced unprecedented rainfall during August 2025, damaging the road infrastructure, mostly in Jammu region. The department, led by the Chief Minister, aims to restore it permanently and has submitted an estimate of over Rs1,000 crore to the Finance Department for SASCI funding. In the meantime, the department has authorized the field agencies to initiate execution process for works worth over Rs 500 crore under priority-I,” he said.
“I personally monitored the restoration of Tawi 4th Bridge and Jammu-Surinsar-Mansar road revival,” he said.
The Deputy Chief Minister highlighted key completions including Sanatnagar flyover, 5 bridges in Kupwara, Trenz and Rohomo bridges, Joothana in Kathua and Saiphagla Bridge in Jammu besides two other bridges. Five more bridges are expected to be completed in March 2026, he added.
He said that 35 PMGSY-III bridges have been completed, with 15 more due for completion by March 2026. Over 2,500 km of road has been macadamized this financial year.
The Dy CM said that effective measures are underway including two elevated corridors one each at Jammu and Kashmir which have been proposed to decongest both the cities.
Regarding human resources, the Deputy Chief Minister said key posts like Secretary Technical and 7 Chief Engineers were filled up after 2 years besides several promotions. The department has filled up 34 Superintending Engineer and 89 Executive Engineer posts. It is also in process of filling up of posts of over 125 Assistant Executive Engineer and 150 Assistant Engineer in next 2 months.
Speaking on grants for Industries and Commerce Department, the Deputy CM said that this year department is focusing on grounding investments, strengthening MSMEs, easing business, promoting start-ups and protecting traditional sectors like handloom and handicrafts. “Under Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, J&K recorded its highest ever investment realization in a single financial year. During 2025-26, investments worth Rs5,349 crore have been grounded till January 2026, which is nearly twelve times the annual average investment prior to 2020,” he said.
Under the Central Industrial Development Package (NCSS) of Rs 28,400 crore, a total of 971 applications involving an investment of Rs 14,292 crore have been registered.
“Ease of doing business continues to remain a priority. In November 2025, Jammu and Kashmir secured 5th rank at the national level, emerging as a top achiever in the Business Reform Action Plan,” he said.
He said that for the first time, Jammu and Kashmir’s MSME Health Clinic has been launched in collaboration with IIM Jammu. Besides, data of 417 MSME units has been uploaded on the portal and in the first phase, 70 sickness prone units have been identified for focused revival interventions.
He added that MSME formalisation has seen a major push, Udyam registrations have increased to 6 lakh this year. J&K has been ranked second among the Small States, North-Eastern States and Union Territories in the Export Preparedness Index 2024 released by NITI Aayog. He said that during the current financial year, against a target of 6,221 units, 6,144 units have already been established under PMEGP.
The Deputy CM further said that the startup ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a significant transformation adding that the number of registered startups has increased from 69 in 2020 to 1,342 in 2025-26, including 490 women led startups.
The Dy CM said that the Handloom and Handicraft sector has thrived, with J&K winning the National ODOP Gold Award 2024 for the second consecutive year. Unity Malls are sanctioned and Rs27.01 crore has been disbursed to support artisans and weavers under various schemes till January 2026, benefiting the artisans and weavers across J&K.
“I would like to emphasize that Omar Abdullah government is proposing amendments to the J&K Industrial Policy to further strengthen the industrial ecosystem in the UT,” he said.
“With focused policy implementation, institutional reforms and sustained coordination with the Government of India, we are committed to inclusive industrial growth, employment generation and strengthening the economic foundation of Jammu and Kashmir, ” asserted the Deputy Chief Minister.
He added that various milestones were achieved in the industries sector during 2025-26 including an investment worth Rs 5,349 crore (till Jan 2026) which is highest ever in any fiscal and is 12 times the average investment before 2020. He said that in November 2025, Jammu & Kashmir secured 5th rank nationwide, emerging as a top achiever in Ease of Doing Business.
The Dy CM said that J&K Startup has witnessed transformation growing from 69 startups in 2020 to 1342 in 2025-26 including 490 women led startups, a surge of over 1800 percent. Besides, 853 new startups have been registered in 2025-26.
“With procurement of new machinery, GI labelling and certification has increased from 20 to 100 per day in 2025, marking a 400 percent increase over the previous count. Efforts are on to further reduce the waitlist. During 2025-26, loan worth Rs 21.06 crore has been disbursed by the banks to 1011 artisans/weavers ending December 2025 under Credit Scheme for Artisans and Weavers,” said the Dy CM.
He said the J&K Industrial Policy 2021-30 will be amended to recalibrate incentives and sustain growth, local employment and income security post-NCSS closure.
He said financial support to JKTPO for buyer-seller meets boosts market access, stable incomes and sustains artisans’ skills. The department has prepared revival plans for JK Industries and SICOP, he added.
Speaking on the grants of Mining department, the Deputy CM said the government has prioritised effective policy formulation and sustainable mineral resource use, leveraging J&K’s limestone, gypsum, marble and other minerals vital for cement, construction, fertilisers and more. Effective policies are in place for environmentally responsible mining, he added.
He added that the government has implemented the Integrated Mining Surveillance System (IMSSS) and Mobile Application Portal to enhance monitoring, transparency and enforcement of mining rules. “Using satellite imaging, GPS, geospatial tools and a Command-and-Control Centre, the system tracks operations and detects illegal mining while e-Challan PoS machines, introduced with J&K Bank, enable on-the-spot penalties”, he said.
The Deputy Chief Minister said 144 satellite alerts had led field checks and Rs1.10 crore in penalties. Besides, 3,065 GPS devices have been installed in mineral transport vehicles, with 2,473 linked to the Mining Surveillance System. Over 40 non-compliant vehicles were seized, Rs2.50 lakh recovered, 7,500 above seizures made and 234 FIRs lodged against the violators this year.
The Department of Geology and Mining has auctioned 238 RBM blocks since 2020-21, granting 208 mining leases. Besides, E-auction of 7 limestone blocks (Anantnag 3, Rajouri 3 & Poonch 1) is underway and 5 more are being processed, expected to generate over Rs70 crore in 2026-27.
He said that under the SASCI 2025-26 scheme, the government has completed key mining reforms and the Union Ministry for Mines has sanctioned Rs100 crore as an incentive to the Mining Department.
To improve ease of doing business, several digital reforms and regulatory changes to simplify mining operations have been introduced. “Studies and e-auction of Lithium in Reasi, Lignite and Marble in Kupwara and biogenic shallow gas in the Karewa Basin have been targeted by June 2026 while Sapphire in Paddar and Granite besides Graphite in Doda and Ganderbal are also being prepared for early auctioning,” he said.
He said that the vision for 2026-27 is to build a stronger and more transparent mineral revenue system through better royalty collection, revised royalty, stricter penalties and wider enforcement powers to civil and police officers at district level.
The Deputy Chief Minister said that the government is committed to economic growth, governance reform and sustainable resource management, making the mining sector transparent, efficient and sustainable. He said that efforts will be continued to strengthen this sector as a key source of economic stability while ensuring that natural resources are used responsibly and safeguarded for future generations.
Speaking during the grants, the Deputy Chief Minister said that the Labour and Employment department remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguard the interests of workers and empowering the youth of Jammu and Kashmir through inclusive and reform-oriented policies.
He said that based on the historic success of Mission YUVA during the financial year 2025-26, this Department shall continue to implement the program with renewed energy to promote entrepreneurship and generate sustainable employment opportunities across the UT.
He said that 36.28 lakh unorganized workers have been registered on e-Shram Portal besides 13281 new registrations and 9125 renewals have been made under various Labour Acts through online services.
“The present government is committed to improve the living conditions, safety and welfare of migrant and seasonal labourers from remote areas. Funds amounting Rs 244.64 lakh have been spent on labour Sarais at Rajouri and Kathua which are being completed within this financial year,” added the Dy CM.
He said that 1.35 lakh entrepreneurship units are being created which will generate employment for 4.5 lakh youth over the next 5 years.
The Deputy Chief Minister said that 49,000 applications have been approved and 17,200 enterprises have been sanctioned by various banks, with nearly Rs1000 crore already disbursed.
“Omar Abdullah administration has launched capacity building programme where over 8,000 entrepreneurs have been trained and 5,000 more are currently undergoing entrepreneurship development courses. The JK Building & Other Construction Workers Welfare Board has paid ex-gratia relief of Rs69.29 crore in favour of 1.05 lakh beneficiaries,” he said.
He said that night shelter facilities have been proposed at Labour Sarai Anantnag, Pulwama and Budgam and a fully equipped Model Labour Sarai at Nowshera is being executed with an estimated cost of Rs 423.39 lakh.
“This government has been consistently striving for exploring employment opportunities for educated youth both in Government as well as Private Sector. In this regard, the startup policy has been notified for encouraging the young entrepreneurs by providing them financial support as well as business platform,” he said.
During his speech, the Deputy Chief Minister said that the Department of Skill Development plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of our youth by providing industry relevant technical and vocational education. He said that through a robust network of Polytechnics, Industrial Training Institutes and flagship Central schemes, the department is committed towards aligning the skills with market demand while preserving the traditional crafts and encouraging entrepreneurship.
The Deputy CM highlighted said the major achievements of the department for the year 2025-26. These included training of 90,000 youth in traditional and new-age skills, including AI, cyber security and green jobs, supported by Aadhaar-based digital attendance and monitoring systems under PMKVY 4.0. He said that 7851 Self help Group candidates have been trained and Heritage Craft Courses have been revived in 25 units. “Under the Chief Minister’s Scheme for Heritage Courses a first-of-its-kind initiative in the Union Territory has been introduced in 15 skill institutes across J&K,” he said.
He said that Industry engagement has been significantly strengthened with 541 establishments are active under the Apprenticeship Training Scheme, with over 600 apprentices currently undergoing training. He said that at the India Skills Competition 2024, Jammu & Kashmir secured 3 Gold Medals, 4 Bronze Medals and 6 Medallions of Excellence.
He said that the Government Polytechnic Jammu was honored with the Outstanding Institution Award at the national level, reflecting the quality and credibility of technical education in the Union Territory.
He said that during financial year 2026-27, the Department intends to strengthen the Government Polytechnics at Srinagar, Jammu and the Women Polytechnics at Jammu and Srinagar through procurement of modern machinery, tools and laboratory equipment, strictly as per AICTE norms.
Among other initiatives up-gradation of infrastructure in Government ITIs with modern equipment and tools in accordance with DGT/MSDE norms, introduction of futuristic and market-driven trades, improve access for students from remote and rural areas, construction of a 50-bedded hostel at Government ITI Nowshera and a 100-bedded hostel at Government Polytechnic Bandipora, establishment of Language Laboratory at Government Polytechnic Pulwama and transforming Skilling Ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir through a comprehensive four-track Skill and Entrepreneurship are being undertaken by the department, he added.
Earlier, legislators Ajaz Ahmad Jan, Saif-ud- din Bhat, Surjeet Singh Slathia, Iftkar Ahmad, Shamim Firdous, Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi, Satish Kumar Sharma, Shabir Ahmad Kullay, Tanvir Sadiq, Dr. Sajjad Shafi, Darshan Kumar, Sajad Gani Lone, Hilal Akbar Lone, Kuldeep Raj Dubey, Riyaz Ahmad Khan, Javaid Iqbal Choudhry, Vijay Kumar, Ghulam Mohi-ud-din Mir, Sheikh Ahsan Ahmed Pardesi, Mian Mehar Ali, Sunil Bhardwaj, Choudhry Mohammad Akram, Rafiq Ahmad Naik, Khurshied Ahmed, Nizam-ud-din Bhat, Mohan Lal, Irshad Rasool Kar, Sheikh Khursheed Ahmad, Thakur Randhir Singh, Mir Mohammad Fayaz, Irfan Hafiz Lone, Arjun Singh Raju, Mushtaq Guroo and Pawan Kumar Gupta participated in the discussion over Grants.
Later, the MLAs withdrew their cut motions on grants after assurances by the Deputy Chief Minister.
