Jammu: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has issued a major directive to streamline public infrastructure planning by designating the Jammu and Kashmir Architects Organization as the nodal technical body for all government-led architectural and design works.
As per the order issued by the Housing & Urban Development Department, all government departments, PSUs and executing agencies will now be required to route architectural, design and master-planning services through the Architects Organization, ensuring standardized technical oversight across public projects.
The move follows Government Order No. 58-JK(HUD) of 2026 and a resolution approved by the Council of Ministers aimed at strengthening institutional efficiency in infrastructure development.
Under the new framework, the Architects Organization will provide consultancy, design and technical vetting services for public projects. A uniform consultancy fee of 1 per cent of the total project cost will be levied for services rendered.
The directive further states that engagement of private architectural firms will now require a mandatory No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Architects Organization, making its approval essential in such cases.
Officials said the step is intended to improve coordination, ensure adherence to standardized and sustainable design practices, and optimize resource allocation in upcoming development projects across the Union Territory.
