The Kashmir Pulse

SRINAGAR — In a series of landmark decisions aimed at bolstering Jammu and Kashmir’s administrative, cultural, and economic frameworks, the Administrative Council (AC), chaired by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, approved a range of measures designed to improve governance, enhance cultural heritage, and promote entrepreneurship.

Strengthening the administrative framework

The AC approved the creation of 83 new posts across different ranks in the Prosecution Department, ensuring that each of the Union Territory’s 20 districts will now have an independent Deputy Director. This move, in line with the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023, is expected to significantly improve the management of legal prosecutions and expedite the delivery of justice.

Additionally, 772 posts were sanctioned for the Government Railway Police (GRP) to bolster security along the Katra-Banihal railway segment, following recommendations from a Multi-Disciplinary Committee. The creation of these posts spans from the Superintendent of Police down to lower non-gazetted positions, ensuring a robust security presence on this critical route.

In a bid to streamline the functioning of the State Election Commission, 30 new posts were created. This decision will support the smooth operation of the commission, which has been functioning with ad-hoc staff since its inception in 2020.

Cultural revival and support for local artists

In a significant boost to the region’s cultural heritage, the AC approved revised schemes for the J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages (JKAACL). These initiatives include the expansion of the Sheeraza publication to include additional languages such as Shina, Balti, and Bhadarwahi, along with the revival of traditional art forms and the promotion of Sufiana and Indian classical music.

The council also introduced new schemes like the Guru Shishya Parampara Scheme, aimed at preserving the mentor-disciple tradition, and the Documentation of Intangible Cultural Heritage initiative, which will systematically archive the region’s rich oral and performing arts traditions. A modern Archival Studio will be established to digitally preserve these cultural expressions.

Furthermore, Rs 50 lakhs have been allocated to establish an Artists and Writers’ Welfare Fund, demonstrating the government’s commitment to supporting the artistic community. The overall financial outlay for these cultural initiatives is Rs 5.76 crores.

Economic development through entrepreneurship

The AC also approved operational guidelines for the Jammu and Kashmir Startup Policy, 2024-27, which aims to nurture and inspire entrepreneurial talent in the region. This policy will provide comprehensive support to startups through seed funding, incubation, and market access, with the Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI) as the nodal agency.

Complementing this is the approval of Project YUVA (Yuva Udyami Vikas Abhiyan), a groundbreaking initiative designed to accelerate employment opportunities through entrepreneurship. The project aims to create 1.37 lakh enterprises over the next five years, generating employment for 4.25 lakh youth. With a budgetary support of Rs 1,830 crores and additional funding expected from financial institutions, this initiative is poised to transform the employment landscape of Jammu & Kashmir.

Land transfers for industrial and security infrastructure

The AC also approved the transfer of over 2,292 kanals of land for various developmental projects. This includes land in Kathua and Samba districts for the establishment of industrial estates, which are expected to generate significant employment opportunities.

Additionally, land in Ganderbal district was allocated for the construction of police stations and posts, ensuring better security infrastructure in these areas.

SRINAGAR — The Administrative Council (AC) of Jammu & Kashmir, chaired by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday, has approved notable initiatives to enhance the UT’s infrastructure and educational framework.

In a crucial decision, the AC greenlit the solarization of all government buildings in Jammu & Kashmir, targeting an aggregate capacity of 270 MW. The project, estimated to cost Rs 400 crore, will be executed in both Capex and RESCO modes.

Managed by the Jammu & Kashmir Energy Development Agency (JKEDA), the initiative aims to leverage the vast rooftop spaces of government establishments for solar energy generation.

The plan includes installing Grid-Tied Rooftop solar power systems with bi-directional smart meters and Virtual Net Metering (VNM) benefits, enabling efficient energy adjustment across various government buildings.

The project, expected to be completed by December 2025, is projected to create over 10,800 jobs across highly skilled, skilled, and unskilled sectors. Additionally, the installation of 270 MW solar power plants is anticipated to reduce carbon emissions by approximately 8.3 million tons over 25 years.

The AC meeting, attended by Advisor to LG Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, and Principal Secretary to LG Mandeep K Bhandari, stressed accelerating the deployment of rooftop solar projects across all government-owned buildings in the UT.

In another key decision, the AC approved the continued affiliation of government polytechnics and Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) in Leh and Kargil with the J&K Board of Technical Education.

This decision, requested by the Union Territory of Ladakh, aims to benefit the students of the region by ensuring a smooth admission process and timely conduct of examinations. The affiliation will extend until the end of the academic session 2025-26 or until Ladakh establishes its own Board of Technical Education.

SRINAGAR — The Jammu and Kashmir Government has approved significant subsidies and policies to enhance the implementation of the PM Surya Ghar Scheme and to foster planned urban development in the region.

The Administrative Council, chaired by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, sanctioned an additional subsidy from the UT budget for the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, aiming to make solar energy more accessible to households. The meeting also saw attendance from Advisor R.R. Bhatnagar, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, and Principal Secretary to LG Mandeep Bhandari.

Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in February 2024, the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana seeks to install rooftop solar plants in one crore households across India by March 31, 2027, providing up to 300 units of free electricity per month.

With the newly approved subsidies, beneficiaries in J&K can expect substantial financial relief. For a 1 kW system costing Rs. 55,000, the subsidy has increased to Rs. 36,000. Similarly, subsidies for 2 kW and 3 kW systems have been raised to Rs. 72,000 and Rs. 94,800, respectively.

This enhanced financial support, coupled with a loan facility from SBI at a 7% interest rate, aims to make solar power adoption more appealing, particularly for poor and lower-middle-class households.

J&K Bank will also be onboarded to provide easier access to loans. The scheme's success is expected to grow with the completion of smart metering in rural areas, motivating consumers to install solar rooftop systems to reduce electricity costs.

Additionally, the Administrative Council approved the Land Pooling Policy and Transferable Development Rights (TDR) Policy, which are designed to stimulate the real estate sector in J&K. These policies will allow developers and private landowners to pool their land for development, ensuring ample space for infrastructure, parks, and other amenities. The benefits include increased land value for owners and better infrastructure development.

In a related development, the National Building Construction Corporation (NBCC) has been engaged to expedite the construction of the Srinagar Satellite Township at Rakh Gund Aksha Bemina. The township will span 3,290 kanals and include residential plots, group housing apartments, and 3,200 affordable housing flats.

Additional amenities will include commercial spaces, government offices, green spaces, sports facilities, and a 200-key five-star hotel. The project, to be completed in phases over five years, will also house a High Court complex and Medicity.

SRINAGAR — The Administrative Council, under the chairmanship of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, has approved several major development projects across Jammu and Kashmir, signalling a significant boost in infrastructure and economic growth for the region.

In a recent meeting, the Council sanctioned the construction of multiple facilities for the Indira Gandhi Government Dental Hospital (IGGDH) in Amphala, Jammu. The project, estimated at Rs 42.50 crores, includes the development of hostels for both undergraduate and postgraduate students, married student accommodations, teaching and non-teaching staff quarters, a guest house, parking, an indoor sports hall, and essential infrastructure works. These enhancements are expected to bring the dental institute on par with national standards by providing adequate facilities for both faculty and students.

Simultaneously, the Council approved revised construction plans for Government Medical Colleges (GMCs) in Kathua, Doda, Anantnag, and Baramulla. The updated proposals address various logistical and infrastructural constraints, ensuring the colleges can provide tertiary healthcare services to the public in these districts. The revisions include improvements in road connectivity, water supply, power, HVAC systems, and accommodations for residents and interns, facilitating the smooth operation of the medical institutions.

In a move to boost industrial growth, the Council also amended the Jammu and Kashmir Industrial Land Allotment Policy 2021-30. The changes, based on stakeholder feedback, aim to enhance transparency and efficiency in land allotments. Key amendments include periodic revisions of lease premiums, competitive merit-based land allotments, detailed evaluations of applicants, and specific criteria for different industrial sectors. Notably, the policy now allows for preferential land allotment to mega projects with a minimum capital investment of Rs 4000 crores, aimed at attracting large-scale investments and generating employment.

Furthermore, the Council approved the transfer of 3188 kanals and 8 marlas of land to the Industries and Commerce Department for the development of industrial estates across various districts, including Kupwara, Bandipora, Anantnag, Pulwama, Baramulla, and Budgam. This land transfer is part of a broader strategy to develop industrial infrastructure, accelerate economic activity, and create employment opportunities post-2019.