Jammu: In a major relief for Jammu and Kashmir, the Centre has approved over ₹1,430 crore for reconstruction of damaged public infrastructure and disaster mitigation works across the Union Territory, following recommendations of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
The approval was reviewed during a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, with all Administrative Secretaries in attendance, to assess progress under key reform-linked funding mechanisms including Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) and SNA SPARSH.
Principal Secretary, Finance, Santosh D. Vaidya informed the meeting that the assistance was sanctioned after an Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) assessed recent natural calamities, including cloudbursts, and recommended declaring them as “severe,” paving the way for large-scale central support.
The funds will be utilised for reconstruction of roads, power infrastructure, water supply systems, and implementation of long-term disaster mitigation measures. The Chief Secretary thanked the Government of India for the timely support, saying it would significantly strengthen the UT’s disaster preparedness and resilience.
He directed the Department of Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation & Reconstruction (DMRR&R) and the School Education Department to identify eligible mitigation works and complete them by August 2026.
Reviewing SASCI progress, officials said 222 works across 27 departments have been approved, including 162 ongoing and 60 new projects. Of the approved allocation, ₹944 crore has been released as the first instalment, with ₹758 crore already spent. Departments were urged to fast-track 95 projects showing zero expenditure.
The Chief Secretary also set a January 7, 2026 deadline for departments to process at least one bill under pending Centrally Sponsored Schemes through SNA SPARSH, with daily monitoring by the Finance Department.
J&K has also secured additional SASCI allocation for 2025–26, based on its utilisation performance of the initial ₹1,431 crore. Officials stressed that faster capital spending, SPARSH-mode implementation of CSS, and Aadhaar-based payments are crucial for claiming further funds.
Among key reform gains, the Centre approved ₹200 crore under the Unity Mall initiative for setting up Unity Malls in Jammu and Srinagar, ₹100 crore for Mining Sector Reforms following introduction of an auction-based Minor Mineral Policy, and ₹60 crore under the Digital Public Infrastructure for Agriculture after successful implementation of the Digital Crop Survey.
Reiterating the UT government’s commitment to financial discipline and reform-driven growth, the Chief Secretary said effective utilisation of central assistance remains critical to strengthening infrastructure, enhancing resilience, and ensuring sustainable development across Jammu and Kashmir.
