For the development of any area conceptualisation, planning, detailed project report, projection, funds and ultimately the progression of the work till the end are standard steps. In the past in Jammu and Kashmir, announcements were made and dreams sold, but not much moved in the right direction, either the DPR was not proper or some other issues got raised with the result that maximum development works couldn’t be started, if started, couldn’t be completed. Despite record financial grants from GoI much of the money remained unutilised and grants were surrendered. This went on for decades with the result that Jammu and Kashmir was lagging on the overall progression curve of the rest of India. Land records, roads, hospitals, sports infrastructure, and industrial zones, all are correlated with each other as such overall expected headway was missing. GoI and LG Administration analysed the problem and step-by-step course corrections have been done in the last three years, land digitisation was ordered and rigorously followed up, focus on sports stadiums and Government Medical College, degree colleges in each district are the set targets, much has been achieved on this front. Similarly, roads under PMGSY have not only provided financial help to the needy but a network of roads has been developed in a short time. The administration is trying its best to bring investment to Jammu and Kashmir, tie up with international groups to develop malls, logistic warehouses, a chain of hotels, and ropeway projects at different religious and tourist places to attract more tourists. Focus on agriculture culture has resulted in 29 points program for horticulture, sericulture, agriculture, floriculture, poultry and animal farmhouses have been finalised and rolled out. Digital Jammu and Kashmir was a dream only but in one year it has been practically made possible, four hundred plus services have been put under the ambit of PSGA and made online. GMCs in various districts have been made operational providing much relief to the far-flung public. New schools and colleges have made more opportunities available for the youth. All three tiers of Panchayati Raj are in place, playing lead roles in the development of respective areas. Progress on policy decisions as well as their impact can be monitored online now.
Overall Jammu and Kashmir is under a complete transformation. Around sixty-five thousand projects are going to be completed in this financial year. Chief Secretary has been leading from the front, keeping an eye, conducting regular meetings to get updates and remove hurdles, if any. Due to these initiatives, only so many projects have been completed. Chief Secretary has rightly advised departments to focus on projects near completion, utilise the assigned budget and if further financial aid is required should be requested for the timely completion of projects. Fund utilisation certificates are a must to get a new set of funds released. Complacency over one part will lead to unnecessary delays with the resulting project costs getting escalated, putting extra financial burden. Jammu and Kashmir is getting remodelled, with around two crore tourists, two AIIMS coming up, and Central Universities and GMCs set up, factually in addition to religious tourism, health and education tourism are the targets. LG Administration has clear cut vision, departments have to perform, and that’s the only way forward.
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