Focus on J&K
In the new union budget, the central government has revised central grants and has hiked the funds for the development of the areas. They have kept focus on major projects and for the restoration of infrastructure projects.
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has proposed Rs 130 crore (Revenue) for equity contribution for 624 MW Kiru Hydro Electric Project (HEP), Rs 476.44 crore Revenue grants towards equity for 800 MW Ratle HEP, Rs 500 crore Revenue grant on account of Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery Project and Rs 171.23 crore Revenue grants for equity contribution of 540 MW KWR HEP.
Other grants to Jammu and Kashmir from the total fund included Rs 33923 crore as Central Assistant to the UT and Rs 279 crore for Disaster Response Fund.
The Ministry of Defence has proposed Rs 1797.74 crore for Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry.
Likewise, Rs 600 crore have also been allotted for the Border Area Development Programme (BADP), a Centrally Sponsored Scheme which also benefits Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh as both the UTs have a large number of border villages.
The budget has also kept an amount of Rs 301.61 crore for relief and rehabilitation for migrants and repatriates, Rs 5 crore for Ladakh and Rs 11 crore for J&K and Himachal Pradesh for helicopter services.
