New Delhi, Feb 4:
In a significant push for urban development in Jammu and Kashmir, BJP J&K President and Rajya Sabha MP Sat Sharma (CA) today raised critical issues regarding the financial health and strengthening of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in the Union Territory.
Speaking during the ongoing session of the Rajya Sabha, Sharma sought detailed insights into the implementation of AMRUT 2.0, emphasizing the need for robust civic infrastructure and accountable governance.
AMRUT 2.0: ₹1,002 Crore Investment for J&K Cities
Replying to Sharma’s starred question, Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal, provided a comprehensive breakdown of the mission’s progress in the UT:
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Universal Coverage: AMRUT 2.0 covers all 56 Urban Local Bodies of Jammu & Kashmir.
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Project Approval: A total of 90 projects worth ₹1,002.37 crore have been sanctioned.
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Central Share: The Government of India is contributing a massive ₹867 crore towards these initiatives.
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Ground Reality: Currently, 87 projects worth ₹677.75 crore have already been grounded, with works worth ₹144.11 crore physically completed.
Focus on Water Security and Self-Reliance
The Minister informed the House that the mission is primarily focused on making J&K’s cities water-secure through sewerage management, rejuvenation of water bodies, and the development of green spaces.
The Union Ministry also highlighted additional financial incentives provided to J&K, including:
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₹7.35 crore under the ‘Jal Hi Amrit’ initiative.
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₹3.60 crore for GIS-based Master Plans for 25 towns.
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₹0.25 crore for AMRUT Mitra projects.
“ULBs are the Backbone of Democracy”: Sat Sharma
Lauding the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sat Sharma stated that the structured financial flow—without any reported delays—underscores the transparency of the current administration.
“Strong and financially empowered Urban Local Bodies are the backbone of grassroots democracy. Under the Modi Government, J&K is witnessing a new era of planned urban transformation where ULBs are key drivers of public service delivery,” Sharma told the House.
He reaffirmed the BJP’s commitment to ensuring Jammu & Kashmir receives its “rightful share” of modern infrastructure and responsive urban governance.
Why This Matters
With Urban Local Body and Panchayat elections anticipated soon in J&K, the focus on AMRUT 2.0 highlights the government’s strategy to showcase tangible development in urban sectors before the UT heads to local polls.
