Kashmir: Finance Ministry releases Rs 1,093 crore to restore public infrastructure
The amount, given as special assistance to the state, was part of a development package Narendra Modi had announced for the Valley last year.
The Finance Ministry on Monday released Rs 1,093.34 crore as part of special assistance to Jammu and Kashmir to repair and restore damaged public infrastructure. The amount is part of the development package for the Valley that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced last year. The assistance is meant to help restore public buildings such as schools, colleges, bus stations, hospitals and other vital public infrastructure.
So far, a total sum of Rs 2,000 crore has been provided for permanent restoration of damaged infrastructure under the Prime Minister Reconstruction Plan, according to a statement from the government – Rs 1,194.85 crore was released last year to help restore completely damaged/severely damaged/partially damaged houses, while Rs 800 crore was released in April this year for interest subvention to assist with restoring people's livelihood.
Infrastructure in Kashmir has been significantly affected in the clashes that ensued after the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani on July 8. More than 25 schools have been set on fire since then, and other public property has been damaged considerably. More than 90 people have died in the unrest, so far.
Modi's reconstruction plan for Kashmir involved a Rs 80,000-crore development package to help the state with healthcare, flood relief and management, development projects such as construction of roads and and highways, power and use of new and renewable forms of energy, and also in the tourism, agriculture and sports sectors. As part of its assistance towards human resource and skill development, the Union Cabinet, on October 13, had approved the establishment of an Indian Institute of Management in Jammu.