Early Times Report
Srinagar, July 29: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti today called for a "proactive approach" to expedite implementation of infrastructure projects under the Rs 80,000-crore Prime Minister's Development Package (PMDP) for the state. "The focus has to be on expediting project formulation, constant follow-up with ministries concerned in the Government of India and timely submission of utilisation certificates to make the best use of the funds available under PMDP," she said, addressing a high-level meeting, convened to review the implementation of PMDP, here. The Chief Minister said a team of Secretaries has already been set up on the directions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to expedite the release of funds to the Valley for speedy implementation of projects under PMDP. "Special focus should be laid on fast-tracking the projects under PMDP in power, road communication, housing and urban development, tourism, health, education and flood management sectors so that there is visible impact in infrastructure upgradation on the ground within the next few years," she said. Stressing the need for speeding up project formulation for Smart City for Srinagar and Jammu, Mehbooba called for creating special cell in the offices of the Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir and Jammu to expedite land acquisition and shifting of utilities for the proposed Ring Road projects. She said Rs 1,860 crore has been approved for Ring Road in Srinagar and Rs 1,400 crore for the Ring Road in Jammu under PMDP to decongest the capital cities. The PDP leader also called for coordination for speedy release of funds for setting up two All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) at Vijaypur in Jammu, and Awantipora in Kashmir, for which Rs 2,000 crore each has been earmarked in PMDP.
Besides the components under relief and rehabilitation
and flagship projects, PMDP includes funds to the tune of Rs 900 crore for infrastructure upgradation in district, sub-district hospitals and Public Health Centres. |
