JK Allocates Rs 861 Crore for Flood Repair, Plans 7,000 KM of New Roads Under PMGSY-IV: Javid Dar
Suhail Khan
Srinagar, Aug 15: Jammu and Kashmir is poised for a massive infrastructure and employment push, with the government targeting the construction of 3,500 km of roads and the establishment of 1.35 lakh entrepreneurial units under the ambitious Mission Yuva during the financial year 2026-27, Cabinet Minister Javed Dar announced on Saturday.
Addressing the main Independence Day function here, minsiter Javid Dar as per Kashmir Convener underscored that the government’s fundamental objective remains the elevation of living standards for every citizen, with a concerted focus on generating gainful employment for the region’s burgeoning youth population.
“Agriculture remains the bedrock of our economy,” Dar stated, outlining a comprehensive roadmap for the sector. He revealed that the government is actively integrating traditional farming practices with modern technology and market linkages. A baseline crop survey is currently underway across all districts, with a firm target to onboard all farmers onto a digital platform by March 2027.
In a significant push towards self-reliance, the government has set a target to cover 10 lakh agricultural plots and bring 3 lakh hectares under oilseed cultivation. “This initiative will not only augment farmers’ income but also significantly curtail our dependence on imported edible oils,” the minister asserted.
To bolster horticulture, a key economic driver, Dar said centres of excellence for vegetables and floriculture are being established across districts. Furthermore, a robust crop insurance cover worth Rs 6,500 crore has been earmarked for cash crops including apple, saffron, mango, and litchi. Post-harvest infrastructure is also being strengthened to improve storage and market access for growers. As part of this effort, work worth Rs 17.5 crore is underway to upgrade the Sopore Mandi, alongside the establishment of cold-storage and apple pack-house facilities at key horticulture hubs.
On the rural development front, Dar announced that 87 villages will receive Rs 2 crore each over the next two years under the government’s model village programme. He also detailed progress in road connectivity, stating that over 1,400 projects have been planned under PMGSY-IV, covering 7,000 km of roads, while 1,209 previously unconnected habitations have been provided all-weather road connectivity. In a special allocation, the government has sanctioned Rs 861 crore for the restoration of roads and bridges damaged during the floods and landslides of 2025.
In the health sector, the minister highlighted significant advancements, noting that PET scan facilities are now available in all 12 government medical colleges, while dialysis units are being established at community health centres and sub-district hospitals. Emergency and accident hospitals will also be set up at Poonch and Uri to cater to strategic border areas.
Emphasizing the government’s commitment to education, Dar said 329 high and higher secondary schools are being provided with new classrooms and facilities, directly benefiting around 20,000 students.
Asserting that “our youth are the centre of Jammu and Kashmir’s development,” Dar provided an update on the flagship Mission Yuva initiative. He said the programme aims to generate employment opportunities for 4 to 5 lakh youth. So far, over one lakh youth have applied, with more than 29,000 having received financial support through banks. Over 33,000 youth have already been provided employment, while the Udyam Jagriti initiative has created opportunities for around 90,000 women.
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