Onlykashmir.in News Desk
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday chaired a comprehensive meeting to review the physical and financial progress of works being executed under the Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) across Jammu and Kashmir.
The Chief Minister reviewed progress in key sectors, including Public Works, Jal Shakti, Youth Services and Sports, Power Development, and Housing and Urban Development. Special emphasis was placed on the Disaster Management component, which aims to strengthen disaster mitigation and resilience and to restore infrastructure damaged by natural disasters.
He directed all concerned departments to complete ongoing SASCI projects on time, within the stipulated period, so that the financial targets under the scheme are achieved. He also called for faster execution of works under the Disaster Management component to strengthen the region’s overall preparedness and resilience.
Omar Abdullah further stressed the need for early identification of projects and preparation of a robust shelf of proposals for finalising the SASCI plan for 2027-28. Emphasising seamless inter-departmental coordination and strict adherence to timelines, he called for optimal use of funds and the creation of durable capital assets across Jammu and Kashmir.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Chaudhary, Ministers Ali Mohammad Sagar, Javid Ahmad Dar, Shamim Firdous, Mir Saifullah and Altaf Ahmad Wani, the Chief Secretary and other senior officers.
SASCI is a Centre-backed scheme that offers long-term, interest-free loans to states to support capital expenditure, and it has become an important source of funding for infrastructure in many states. For Jammu and Kashmir, which relies heavily on central assistance for development, the scheme can finance roads, water supply, power, urban development and sports facilities, provided that projects are completed and funds utilised within prescribed timelines.
Timely utilisation is the central concern in the Chief Minister’s directions. Capital investment schemes typically require states to meet financial targets within the financial year, and delays in tendering, allotment or execution can mean that funds are left unspent. The call for a ready shelf of proposals for 2027-28 reflects the need to avoid such delays by preparing project reports well ahead of the next cycle.
The focus on disaster management also follows a series of weather-related events in recent years that have damaged roads, bridges and water and power infrastructure in the Union Territory. Restoring such assets and building resilience before winter and the next monsoon is likely to remain a priority.
The government has not released detailed figures on progress in the statement, and the sectors will now be expected to report on their targets in the coming weeks.
