Sanjeev Pargal
JAMMU, Aug 5: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, in his capacity as Planning Minister, has approved four major sectors as priority areas for the year 2012-13 to utilize Rs 700 crore, which the Planning Commission of India had given to the State Government under the Prime Minister’s Re-construction Plan (PMRP) during July 13 meeting with Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission, Montek Singh Ahluwalia.
The Government would be spending Rs 195.24 crore on strengthening of Transmission and Distribution (T&D) network and Rs 105.29 crore for further construction, upgradation and other works on Mughal Road, which has become a popular alternate road link between the people of not only twin border districts of Rajouri and Poonch with Kashmir but also other parts of two regions in view of its scenic beauty.
Official sources told the Excelsior that two other sectors where the PMRP amount would be utilized included rehabilitation of dwellers within Dal and Nigeen lakes (Rs 233.82 crore) and construction of 5242 two room tenements for Kashmiri migrants (Rs 45.65 crore).
The Government had kept a provision of Rs 120 crore for Counterpart Fund and Asian Development Bank (Part-II) from Rs 700 crore PMRP.
Sources said the Planning Commission had sanctioned reduced amount under PMRP for the State Government for 2012-13 (Rs 700 crore) as against Rs 1200 crore in 2011-12 on the ground that the State had been able to spend just Rs 450 crore of PMRP in the last financial year.
Sources said the major amount has been kept for strengthening T&D network as the State was feeling heat on account of transmission losses, which have been hovering around 70 per cent causing enormous losses to the State exchequer.
The Power Development Department (PDP), which was also held by the Chief Minister, would be taking up works to strengthen T&D losses in the areas, where they were most affected.
Sources said Mughal Road has become a major source of attraction not only for the traders and the local people but also for the tourists, which was evident from the fact that this summer a large number of vehicles moved to and fro. However, to make it all weather road, further expand and upgrade it at some areas and strengthen infrastructure, the Government would be releasing Rs 105.29 crore for Mughal Road from out of the PMRP during current financial year.
The Government was anticipating more rush on Mughal road next summer.
There had been reports that some parts of Mughal Road were vulnerable. However, police authorities from Poonch and Shopian districts have set up their pickets in sensitive areas.
The Government has also released sufficient amount from rehabilitation of Dal and Nigeen lake dwellers as well as construction of two room tenements for the Kashmir migrants.
Sources said the Government was confident that it would be able to spend Rs 700 crore under PMRP this financial year as it would be getting the funds well in time and releasing them to the concerned authorities for taking up the works to complete them in time.
Though the PMRP funds were non lapsable, the Government would be trying to utilize the amount under the current financial year itself so that it was in a position to seek extension of the PMRP for next financial year of 2013-14.
Worthwhile to mention here that the PMRP has completed its term. However, the Central Government has extended it for current financial year of 2012-13. The State Government would have to seek another extension for the PMRP for next fiscal year to get funds for the ongoing works or take up more works under the Plan, sources said.
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