Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government has approved additional assistance of Rs 5000 crore for Jammu and Kashmir. This assistance will alleviate budgetary constraints, guarantee on-schedule project delivery, and drive J&K’s robust economic growth by bolstering infrastructure and creating lasting opportunities for sustained prosperity. The funding will also ensure the developmental commitments and welfare programmes of the government. The funding is over and above the budgetary allocations for FY27. During her budget speech last month, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed Rs 43290.29 crore for the Union Territory, which is Rs 2000 crore more than the FY26 allocation. J&K’s assistance was revised to Rs 41340 crore, up from Rs 41000.07 crore, marking an increase of Rs 340 crore. The budget proposes Rs 42650 crore as central assistance to bridge the resource gap of J&K, Rs 279 crore as grants towards contribution to the Union Territory Disaster Response Fund, Rs 259 crore as equity for the Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery Project, and Rs 101 crore as support for capital expenditure in the Union Territory. Jammu and Kashmir Police, which comes under the Ministry of Home Affairs, will receive Rs 9925 crore in the next fiscal year. Earlier, on March 13, the Centre approved ₹330.34 crore to address damages caused by floods, landslides, and cloudbursts in 2025. The Centre also cleared Integrated Solid Waste Management (ISWM) projects worth ₹1,162.40 crore across multiple clusters, including Anantnag–Mattan–Bijbehara, Kathua–Hiranagar–Parole–Lakhanpur, and Jammu. If it was not enough, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the expansion of Srinagar International Airport at an estimated cost of Rs. 1,677 crore. It will mark a major milestone in strengthening aviation infrastructure and connectivity in the Kashmir Valley. Spread over 73.18 acres, the new Civil Enclave project will feature a state-of-the-art terminal building spanning 71,500 square meters (including 20,659 square meters of existing structure), designed to serve 2,900 passengers during peak hours and an annual capacity of 10 million passengers per annum. The expanded apron will accommodate 15 aircraft parking bays, including one widebody (Code E). The project will also include the construction of a multi-level parking facility for 1,000 cars. The project will boost the economy, strengthen connectivity, and encourage tourism. In fact, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah have walked the talk about the development of Jammu and Kashmir. The UT has been close to their heart, and its development has been at the top of the priority list. Credit also goes to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha for setting a development agenda. LG Sinha has lived up to his sobriquet of `Vikas Purush’. Given his credibility, LG Sinha has been able to get adequate funds for J&K development. Having said so, the Centre should also focus on tourism and exports. It will not only boost the economy but also generate jobs. A dry port and direct connectivity to international markets would put J&K on the path of peace and prosperity.
Booster dose
