Jammu, Sep 24 : Development works worth over Rs 244 crore in Jammu and Kashmir are currently stalled, with a staggering Rs 213.17 crore remaining unutilized due to pending court cases and status-quo orders, the government has admitted.
In a written reply to a starred question raised by MLA Devyani Rana (Nagrota) in the Assembly, the Finance Department as per Kashmir Convener revealed that as many as 113 developmental projects across the Union Territory are presently “under status-quo” owing to decisions pending before various courts or competent authorities.
The government data highlights a significant budgetary blockage for the fiscal year 2026-27. While a total allocation of Rs 244.62 crore was earmarked for these 113 specific works, only Rs 85.95 crore has been expended so far. Consequently, a massive Rs 213.17 crore remains unutilized, frozen by legal impediments.
According to the district-wise breakup provided in the reply, the capital cities are the most affected. Jammu district tops the list with 13 stalled works, followed closely by Srinagar with 13 works and Anantnag with 11 works. Other affected districts include Kathua (6), Kishtwar (7), and Ramban (8).
Sector-wise, the Roads and Buildings (R&B) sector is the worst hit with 54 stalled works, followed by Jal Shakti with 12 works, and Higher Education with 10 works.
Addressing concerns about the fate of funds for works that cannot be completed within the current financial year, the Finance Department stated that matters are dealt with in accordance with applicable budgetary and financial provisions.
“The availability/revalidation of budget provision, surrender of savings or re-appropriation… is governed by the applicable financial rules,” the reply stated.
To resolve these bottlenecks, the government informed the House that the progress of these works is reviewed periodically by the concerned departments. The departments are actively pursuing matters in the concerned Courts of Law to obtain vacation or modification of the status-quo orders “wherever legally permissible.”
“The budgetary provision is being dealt with… with a view to minimizing the blocking of funds and ensuring optimal utilization of the available resources,” the government reply added.
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