Centre approves Rs 5,000 crore additional aid for J&K

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LG Sinha, CM Omar thank PM Modi, HM Shah, Finance Minister Sitharaman

SRINAGAR: The Centre on Thursday approved additional central assistance of Rs 5000 crore for Jammu and Kashmir, aimed at supporting infrastructure development and easing fiscal pressures in the Union Territory.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for the assistance, stating that it would help consolidate the UT’s fiscal position.

In a post on X, LG Sinha said: “The support would ease budgetary constraints, ensure timely completion of ongoing projects and contribute to economic growth by strengthening infrastructure and creating opportunities for long-term development.”

“I extend my sincere gratitude to Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji, Hon’ble HM Shri Amit Shah Ji & Hon’ble FM Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman Ji for releasing Rs. 5,000 Cr as additional central assistance to J&K, which will help in consolidating fiscal condition of UT,” he wrote.

“This vital support will alleviate budgetary constraints, guarantee on-schedule project delivery and drive J&K’s robust economic growth by bolstering infrastructure and creating lasting opportunities for sustained prosperity,” the LG said.

CM OMAR EXPRESSES GRATITUDE

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Government of India, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for extending Additional Central Assistance of ₹5,000 crore to Jammu & Kashmir.

The Chief Minister conveyed his sincere thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah, and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for their continued support and commitment towards the development of Jammu & Kashmir.

He noted that this timely and crucial assistance will significantly bolster ongoing development initiatives, accelerate key infrastructure projects, and enhance public welfare across Jammu and Kashmir.

“I express my sincere gratitude to the Hon’ble Prime Minister and the Union Government for this generous support. This Additional Central Assistance will go a long way in addressing the fiscal gap and ensuring that our developmental commitments and welfare programmes are implemented effectively for the benefit of our people,” the Chief Minister said.

It is pertinent to mention that the Chief Minister had earlier sought additional financial assistance from the Government of India to bridge the resource shortfall and meet the existing fiscal deficit.

APPROVAL WILL BOOST DEVELOPMENT

According to the officials, approval forms part of broader efforts by the administration to ensure sustainable development.

Pertinently, on March 13, 2026, the Centre approved Rs 330.34 crore in additional financial aid for Jammu and Kashmir.

The meeting was chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the High-Level Committee sanctioned these funds to address the extensive damage caused by floods, landslides, and cloudbursts during 2025. This relief focuses on immediate restoration and helping the UT recover from these natural disasters.

The Centre has also approved the development of Integrated Solid Waste Management (ISWM) facilities in multiple clusters, including Anantnag–Mattan–Bijbehara, Kathua–Hiranagar–Parole–Lakhanpur and Jammu (Zone-3), at a total cost of Rs 1,162.40 crore.

The initiative is aimed at enabling scientific and efficient waste management, improving sanitation systems in urban areas and promoting environmental sustainability across the identified regions.

Officials said the projects are expected to streamline waste collection and disposal mechanisms while addressing the growing challenges of urbanisation in the Union Territory.