new Delhi. The Rajya Sabha on Wednesday passed the Jammu and Kashmir Budget 2022-23 and the Appropriation Bill by voice vote. The Bills were then sent back to the Lok Sabha. The lower house has already passed the J&K Budget 2022-23 on March 14, thus approving a budget of Rs 1.42 lakh crore for the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
Responding to the discussion, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that the central government is creating an environment for restoration of normalcy and attracting investments in Jammu and Kashmir. He said that 24 members participated in the debate and informed the House that the government was removing the impediments to industrial development in the Union Territory and 250 laws in this regard have been completely repealed, while 137 laws have been repealed. amendment has been made.
Responding to a question by Congress MLA Vivek Tankha, who on Tuesday expressed concern that Kashmiri art and artisans are going to disappear without adequate support, the Finance Minister said, “A new industrial policy, investment proposals will create jobs in Jammu and Kashmir.” Geographical Indication (GI) recognition has been given to Pashmina shawls, carpet weaving from Jammu and Kashmir and adequate steps have been taken to promote Kashmiri art and artisans.”
Speaking about the security situation in the Union Territory, he said that peace and development has started after the abrogation of Article 370, industrial promotion schemes have been implemented, thereby opening the doors of development in the Union Territory. He said that after the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, the security situation has also improved and terror-related incidents have come down there.
“Since 2021, there has been a 33 per cent decline in infiltration and 90 per cent in ceasefire violations along the border. In addition, there has been a 61 per cent decline in terrorism-related incidents in Jammu and Kashmir in 2021,” he said. “
Union Ministers informed that a delegation from the Gulf is visiting the Union Territory on Wednesday to provide investment and employment opportunities to the youth of Jammu and Kashmir. As per the information given by the Government of Jammu and Kashmir, 1,41,815 new projects have been started in the Union Territory. Sitharaman informed the Upper House that an amount of Rs 27,274 crore has been provided to complete these development projects. “The projects are creating significant employment opportunities for skilled and unskilled labourers, engineers, transporters and small businesses, apart from those engaged in the supply of materials, tools and equipment in the private sector,” he said.
Talking about the health infrastructure, he said that the UT has recorded 100 per cent immunization, while two 500-bed COVID hospitals have been set up by DRDO in Jammu and Srinagar.
Responding to concerns of some members that capital expenditure has been reduced under several heads, he said this was not true. Noting that expenditure creates wealth, Sitharaman said 282 per cent in public health, 390 per cent in disaster management and relief, 60 per cent in irrigation and floods, 26 per cent in agriculture, 33 per cent in industry, 18 per cent in education, Tourism has increased by 10 percent and the culture sector by 18 percent.
Referring to the employment opportunities in Jammu and Kashmir, he said that the new industrial policy of Rs 28,400 crore would generate 4.50 lakh jobs, while 4226 investment proposals worth Rs 47,441 crore received so far would provide 1 for the youth of Jammu and Kashmir. 96,945 jobs will be created.
The Finance Minister said that more than 20,323 posts have been sent to the recruitment agencies. Apart from these, around 1,37,870 youth of the UT have been assisted under the Swarozgar Yojana program and will also generate employment for their fellow Kashmiris.
—AnyTV News
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