Rs 10 crore grant for Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced a grant of Rs 10 crore for the Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering and Winter Sports, an adventure school in south Kashmir's Anantnag district.
The Union minister announced the grant while chairing the 8th meeting of the 3rd executive council of the institute situated in Pahalgam area of the district yesterday, an official spokesman said here.
He said Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti was also present at the meeting which was held after a gap of 10 years.
"The Minister for Defence, who is also the chairperson of the executive council, directed the institute management to work in tandem with local Tourism and Education Departments for popularising mountaineering and adventure sports among students.She announced a grant of Rs 10 crore for meeting the expenses of the institute," the spokesman said.

Speaking on the occasion, Mehbooba stressed on the need for popularising adventure sports and mountaineering among school children so that they can understand and explore the state in a better way.
The chief minister impressed upon the management of the mountaineering school to undertake visits to schools and colleges and create interest in mountaineering among students.

"Being citizens of a hilly state our youth ought to be trained in mountaineering for which your institute has a greater responsibility," she told the management of the adventure school.
The meeting also decided to launch courses in paragliding and white water rafting with 20 students in each course.

Besides, the spokesman said, the executive council also gave nod to the change in funding pattern of the institute.