Jammu and Kashmir in Union Budget for 2024-25

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.

Key Allocations:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Central Sector Projects:
   • The Ministry of Home Affairs allocates ₹11 crore for central sector projects in Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh.
5. Law Enforcement:
   • The Jammu & Kashmir Police receive ₹9789.42 crore to enhance security and law enforcement capabilities.
6. Sports Facilities:
   • Sports facility enhancement in Jammu and Kashmir gets ₹8 crore, reduced from ₹20 crore in the previous year.
7. 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.

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