Mehbooba calls for expediting projects under PMDP

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.

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.
A sum of Rs 2,000 crore has been earmarked for tourism development, Rs 2,000 crore for installation of small hydro projects, Rs 3,790 crore for augmentation of power infrastructure, Rs 300 crore for raising of five Indian Reserve Police Battalions, Rs 450 crore for increase in remuneration of Special Police Officers, Rs 500 crore for horticulture development, Rs 735 crore for Srinagar-Banihal road, Rs 5,100 crore for Jammu-Akhnoor-Poonch road, Rs 1,800 crore for Srinagar-Shopian-Qazigund road and Rs 4,200 crore for Kargil-Zanskar road.

Earlier, state Finance Minister Haseeb Drabu briefed the meeting regarding his recent interaction with the Prime Minister, Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and various Union Secretaries regarding expediting the implementation of PMDP.
He said the departments concerned in the state should remain in touch with respective Central government ministries to ensure prompt submission of Detailed Project Reports and utilisation certificates to ensure regular flow of funds under PMDP.