Logo of J&K government. Image/Open Source
NEW DELHI: The Union Budget for 2024-25 allocates significant funds to Jammu and Kashmir, with a total transfer of ₹42,277.74 crore through the Ministry of Home Affairs.
This allocation aims to bolster various sectors, from industrial development to education and infrastructure.
- Package for Special Category States:
- Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand receive a minimal allocation of ₹0.01 crore, a sharp decrease from ₹5.0 crore in the previous year.
- Industrial Development:
- The Industrial Development Scheme, 2017, for Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh receives ₹100 crore.
- An additional ₹300 crore is allocated for the industrial development of Jammu and Kashmir.
- Education:
- The Special Scholarship Scheme for Jammu and Kashmir sees no direct allocation this year, down from ₹200 crore in 2023-24. This scheme has now merged with the PM-USP Yojna, aiming to provide 5000 new scholarships annually. The overall funding for the education initiative is ₹1558 crore under MUSK, covering tuition fees and maintenance allowances. The scheme includes the interchangeability of slots between Medical and Engineering streams.
- Central Sector Projects:
- The Ministry of Home Affairs allocates ₹11 crore for central sector projects in Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh.
- Law Enforcement:
- The Jammu & Kashmir Police receive ₹9789.42 crore to enhance security and law enforcement capabilities.
- Sports Facilities:
- Sports facility enhancement in Jammu and Kashmir gets ₹8 crore, reduced from ₹20 crore in the previous year.
- Railways:
- ₹2 crore is allocated for updating the survey for a new railway line between Baramulla and Kupwara (39 km).
- The Final Location Survey for the double line of Baramulla-Banihal (136 km) is allocated ₹2.30 crore.
- The Final Location Survey for a new line between Baramulla and Uri (50 km) is allocated ₹6.59 crore.
This budget reflects a focused investment in Jammu and Kashmir’s industrial, educational, and infrastructural sectors, indicating a comprehensive approach to the region’s development.