JAMMU, Mar 17: The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly today approved grants amounting to Rs 2796.07 lakh for Information Technology, Rs 70,312.76 lakh for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Rs 4048.90 lakh for ARI Trainings, Labour, Stationery and Printing, Rs 12,617.03 lakh for Transport, Rs 62,154.91 lakh for Youth Services and Sports, and Rs 17,279.10 lakh for Science and Technology departments.
The grants were passed following a daylong deliberation in the House.
Digital Transformation and IT Expansion
Summing up the discussion, the Minister emphasized that the Jammu and Kashmir government is spearheading a digital transformation mission to streamline governance and empower citizens through advanced digital technologies. The IT Department has expanded online services from 60 to 1,166, integrating systems such as the Rapid Assessment System, Mobile Dost, and DigiLocker. Plans are underway to establish Digital Village Centres in 1,000 Gram Panchayats and extend JKSWAN connectivity across district, tehsil, and block headquarters.
Ensuring Food Security
On food security, the Minister highlighted the National Food Security Act (NFSA) implementation, benefiting 66.82 lakh people under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY). Each Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) household receives 35 kg of free food grains monthly, while Priority Households receive 5 kg per beneficiary. The government also provides subsidized food grains to 8.15 lakh Non-Priority Households at affordable rates. The Minister announced the continuation of additional free food grain distribution for AAY families in the 2025-26 financial year.
Public Distribution System Reforms
The Minister noted that 96% of the 6,630 sale outlets, including 4,645 Fair Price Shops, operate online under the One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) scheme, positioning J&K ninth in the country for ONORC transactions. Aadhaar-enabled PDS and OTP-based authentication have been introduced for the elderly and disabled beneficiaries.
Administrative Reforms and Professional Recruitment
The ARI & Trainings Department has initiated major governance reforms, including uniform administrative inspection procedures across government entities. The Standing Committee, reconstituted in April 2024, has cleared recruitment rules for 15 services this year. The Jammu and Kashmir Board of Professional Entrance Examinations (JKBOPEE) filled over 1,100 MBBS seats, 108 BDS seats, and 21 MDS seats, with admissions for paramedical and engineering courses ongoing. The Minister announced the adoption of e-counseling for professional admissions from the next academic session.
Enhancing Transport Infrastructure
The Transport Department oversees the Motor Vehicles Department (MVD), JKRTC, and State Motor Garages (SMG), ensuring reliable public transport. The department recently signed an MoU with the Inland Waterways Authority of India worth Rs 100 crore to develop river transport infrastructure, boosting tourism and trade.
Youth Services and Sports Development
With over 65.24 lakh youth engaged in sports programs under “My Youth My Pride,” the government is expanding infrastructure. Two Khelo India State Centres of Excellence are operational in Jammu and Srinagar, alongside 100 Small Khelo India Centres across J&K, training 4,500 children. The Khel Gaon Nagrota project, costing Rs 33.39 crore, is progressing, with synthetic football fields and a rock climbing wall planned.
Advancements in Science and Technology
The Science and Technology Department is driving renewable energy initiatives, with JAKEDA solarizing 4,673 government buildings (39.6 MW capacity) and expanding to 8,500 more. Over 50,000 solar street lights have been installed, with 20,000 more planned. The Jammu & Kashmir Science, Technology & Innovation Council is sponsoring research projects and awarding scholarships to 150 students to promote scientific education. Biotechnology parks in Kathua and Kupwara, along with a Sub-Regional Science Centre in Srinagar, are under development.
Following the discussions, cut motions on the Demands for Grants were withdrawn by the legislators.
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