JK government grants 194%, 173% hike for Udhampur, Ramban in Plan outlay

The Jammu and Kashmir government has granted 194 per cent and 173 per cent increase in Plan outlay for Udhampur and Ramban districts in the state.

Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, who is also Incharge Planning Minister, has announced an outlay of Rs 166.32 crore for Udhampur for 2015-16 and Rs 116.27 crore for Ramban, an official spokesman said.

Sayeed, who chaired the District Development Board meeting of Udhampur and Ramban districts here today, hiked Plan outlay of these districts by 194 per cent and 173 per cent than the previous year.

He said eight schemes worth Rs 52 crore have been taken up in Udhampur under NABARD during 2014-15.

The meeting was informed that against the outlay of Rs 85.54 crore for 2014-15 for Udhampur, while the actual availability was Rs 54.32 crore, whereas actual expenditure was Rs 49.49 crore.

Similarly, the plan outlay for Ramban district for 2014-15 was Rs 67.30 crore which was revised to Rs 58.58 crore whereas actual availability of the funds was to the tune of Rs 40.18 crore. The expenditure was Rs 38.07 crore (94.75 per cent).

Stressing on launching job oriented subjects, Sayeed laid emphasis on introducing such courses at college and school levels which have better employment prospects.

The CM sanctioned Rs 56 lakh to be kept at the disposal of the DDC Ramban to be paid as land compensation for development of Government Degree College, Banihal.

Speaking at the meeting, state Finance Minister Haseeb Drabu called for taking full advantage of the demand driven schemes, as the funds for the schemes depend upon the state’s capacity to spend.

“Unfortunately, our track record has not been good in this regard,” he added.