Jammu and Kashmir Assembly approves over Rs 7,000 crore grants for key sectors

The

Jammu and Kashmir Assembly

on Saturday approved grants totalling over Rs 7,019.18 crore for five crucial departments, including mining, industries and commerce, public works, labour and employment, and skill development.
The grants, introduced by Deputy Chief Minister

Surinder Choudhary

in the assembly, include Rs 70.51 crore for mining, Rs 1,086.03 crore for industries and commerce, Rs 5,283.74 crore for public works, Rs 353.44 crore for labour and employment, and Rs 225.61 crore for skill development.
News agency PTI reported that the funding aims to bolster infrastructure, industry, and employment in the region.
During his address, Choudhary highlighted the

public works department

's ambitious plans, including the blacktopping of 4,000 kilometers of roads in 2025-26. He emphasized infrastructure expansion, noting that 2,132 out of 2,140 villages have already been connected under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), with upgrades planned under PMGSY Phase II and III. "The Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF) has sanctioned 294 projects worth Rs 4,337 crore, of which 194 have been completed," he added.

In terms of infrastructure, major bridges are under construction, such as a 2,000-meter bridge over the Chenab at Indri Pattan Pargwal and a 445-meter bridge over the Ujh at Jothana. Choudhary also discussed efforts to attract businesses, mentioning the introduction of 14 policies, including the New Central Sector Scheme (NCSS) 2021, which provides incentives and tax relief. He said, "So far, 971 industrial units have been approved, generating Rs 10,471 crore in investments and creating over 51,897 jobs."
The MSME sector, which accounts for 90% of industrial employment in J&K, has 7.10 lakh registered units contributing 8% to the region’s economy. To foster industrial growth, 46 new industrial estates are being developed, alongside 64 existing ones.
"Investments in 2023-24 reached Rs 3,389 crore, creating 1,46,317 jobs, a 57% increase from the previous year," he noted.
The single window portal has received 8,537 investment proposals worth Rs 1.69 lakh crore, with the potential to create 6.06 lakh jobs. The handloom and handicrafts sector continues to thrive, with key products like Pashmina shawls and Kashmiri carpets receiving global recognition.
Choudhary highlighted the growth of startups, stating, "The number of registered startups has shown a 326% increase from 2020 to now, rising from 237 in 2020 to 1,011 in 2024." He also emphasized the launch of a Rs 250 crore Venture Capital Fund to support new businesses.
In addition to promoting business, the government has introduced measures to curb illegal mining, including an e-auction system and strict penalties.
"In 2024, authorities seized 4,040 vehicles and machines involved in illegal mining, registering 153 FIRs and collecting Rs 10.12 crore in fines. New mining leases and quarry licences have been issued to promote legal mining, generating Rs 130 crore in revenue in 2024," he said.
To enhance transparency in mining operations, Choudhary mentioned that an e-Challan system has been implemented to track mineral transportation, and an e-market portal ensures fair pricing for consumers. "Advanced surveillance, including drone monitoring and GPS tracking, is being integrated to prevent illegal activities," he added.
Choudhary also addressed youth unemployment, noting that 3.77 lakh unemployed youth are registered at employment centers. "The government is launching Mission Yuva Udyami Vikas Abhiyan (YUVA) to foster entrepreneurship and create jobs. Over the next five years, Mission YUVA aims to establish 1.37 lakh enterprises and generate 4.5 lakh jobs," he said.
Additionally, the Skill Development Department has upgraded 83 trade units to meet national vocational training standards, and placement drives in polytechnics have already facilitated job offers for 261 students. "Industry-academia meets have strengthened ties between education and industry," he added.
With a focus on modernizing governance, introducing digital reforms, and investing in infrastructure and industry, the Jammu and Kashmir government aims to accelerate

economic growth

, generate employment, and improve living standards across the region.