Srinagar, Aug 04 (KNO): The Centre has highlighted a series of infrastructure, connectivity, tourism, healthcare, industrial and renewable-energy initiatives undertaken in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh as part of efforts to accelerate economic development in the Union Territories.
The details, accessed by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), were provided by Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai in reply to an unstarred question raised by BJP MP Gopal Jee Thakur in the Lok Sabha. Thakur had sought details of steps taken for economic development of the Union Territories, initiatives to promote renewable and green energy and the benefits of such measures to the people.
According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, strategic infrastructure projects in Jammu and Kashmir, including the Chenani-Nashri Tunnel, Z-Morh Tunnel and Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), including the iconic Chenab Rail Bridge, have been completed.
The Centre said these projects form part of wider efforts to improve regional connectivity and strengthen infrastructure in the Union Territories. In Ladakh, construction of new motorable bridges has been undertaken, while helipads and hangars have also been completed to improve connectivity to difficult terrains and facilitate medical emergencies, including during winter months.
Tourism has also been identified as a key sector for economic growth and livelihood generation. The government said winter tourism in Jammu and Kashmir and astro tourism in Ladakh are among the niche tourism activities being promoted according to the geographical potential of the two Union Territories.
In Ladakh, the Centre said the first-ever dark sky reserve in the country has been set up at Hanle, as part of efforts to promote astro tourism. The government said such initiatives have contributed to increased tourist footfall in the Union Territories.
The Centre further said homestay policies have been notified by the UTs to promote community-based tourism and generate local livelihoods, while local art and traditional crafts are also being promoted.
In the healthcare sector, AIIMS Jammu has been operationalised, the Ministry said, while also listing healthcare improvements undertaken in other Union Territories.
On industrial development, the Centre said the New Central Sector Scheme for Industrial Development in Jammu and Kashmir has been launched with an outlay of Rs 28,400 crore to promote manufacturing and services. Comprehensive investment incentives and single-window clearance mechanisms have also been put in place, alongside policies relating to industries, land allotment, startups, logistics and promotion of MSMEs.
The government said these measures are aimed at improving the investment climate, promoting businesses and entrepreneurship and positioning the Union Territories as drivers of economic growth and prosperity.
On renewable and green energy, the Centre said Union Territories are implementing schemes including PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana and PM-KUSUM, besides promoting utility-scale solar projects, rooftop solar installations and household solar adoption.
Specifically for Jammu and Kashmir, the government said measures include the distribution of smokeless biomass cookstoves among the tribal populace as part of wider renewable-energy and clean-energy initiatives.
The Ministry said the energy initiatives across the UTs have resulted in increased availability of clean and reliable electricity, reduced electricity expenditure through rooftop solar systems, lower dependence on conventional fossil fuels, improved energy security and generation of employment in installation, operation and maintenance of renewable-energy systems.
Rai said the government has also undertaken measures to improve ease of doing business, including simplified licensing and approval procedures, online service delivery, digital processing and clearances. Financial incentives are being provided for entrepreneurship, MSMEs, fisheries, tourism and other livelihood activities.
The Centre further said 21 legislative and regulatory measures specifically relevant to facilitating economic development in the Union Territories were processed during the last five years, comprising 19 Regulations, Bills or extensions of laws and two delegations of statutory powers. These measures cover areas including taxation, labour regulation, stamp duty and registration, agricultural marketing, mineral development, fisheries, excise, public-service delivery and business facilitation.
The government said employment generation and skill development remain priorities, with schemes including PM Employment Generation Programme, Startup India, PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana, PM Vishwakarma, PM SVANidhi and PM MUDRA Yojana being implemented in the Union Territories to create livelihood opportunities for youth—(KNO)