The Government of India has allocated ₹3,481.03 crore over the past four years to strengthen the healthcare sector in Jammu and Kashmir under various Centrally Sponsored Schemes. However, despite this significant investment, the long-standing demand for an All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in North Kashmir remains unfulfilled. The Government has clarified that no such proposal is currently under consideration.

Major Healthcare Allocations in J&K

The funds have been disbursed under key healthcare initiatives, including:

• National Health Mission (NHM)

• Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM)

• Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri-Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY)

Breakdown of allocations:

• NHM: ₹459.10 crore (2021-22), ₹651.52 crore (2022-23), ₹805.22 crore (2023-24)

• PM-ABHIM: ₹16.11 crore (2021-22), ₹1.00 crore (2022-23), ₹44.01 crore (2023-24)

• AB-PMJAY: ₹75.12 crore (2021-22), ₹85.62 crore (2022-23), ₹42.22 crore (2023-24)

These details were revealed in Lok Sabha by Prataprao Jadhav, Minister of State (MoS) for Health and Family Welfare, in response to a query by Baramulla MP Abdul Rashid Sheikh (Engineer Rashid).

No AIIMS for North Kashmir, Existing AIIMS Funding

The MoS reaffirmed that two AIIMS have already been sanctioned in Jammu & Kashmir:

• AIIMS Vijaypur (Jammu)

• AIIMS Awantipora (Kashmir)

The Minister cleared that no proposal for another AIIMS in Kashmir is under consideration. He also provided financial details of the existing AIIMS projects:

✅ AIIMS Jammu Funding:

• ₹305.00 crore (2021-22)

• ₹398.45 crore (2022-23)

• ₹402.39 crore (2023-24)

• ₹212.22 crore (2024-25)

✅ AIIMS Awantipora Funding:

• ₹130.00 crore (2021-22)

• ₹290.00 crore (2022-23)

• ₹333.17 crore (2023-24)

• ₹255.00 crore (2024-25)

New Medical Colleges & PG Seat Expansion

The Government has sanctioned seven new Medical Colleges in:

• Anantnag

• Baramulla

• Doda

• Kathua

• Rajouri

• Udhampur

• Handwara

Additionally, under Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS):

• 196 new PG seats have been approved in J&K

• 60 new MBBS seats have been allocated in two Medical Colleges

Financial allocations for Medical College upgrades:

• CSS for PG Seats Strengthening: ₹11.47 crore (2021-22), ₹7 crore (2023-24)

• No funds released for upgrading MBBS seats or establishing new Medical Colleges in recent years

Medical Infrastructure, Equipment & Workforce Recruitment

Regarding medical infrastructure, equipment, and staffing, the Ministry clarified that while the primary responsibility lies with the UT Government, the Centre extends financial and technical assistance under NHM to:

• Upgrade healthcare services

• Bridge gaps in medical and paramedical staffing

• Enhance diagnostic and testing facilities

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today participated in the Purple Fest 2025 at Raj Bhawan, an event dedicated to fostering awareness, inclusion, and empowerment for Divyangjan (persons with disabilities).

Commitment to Inclusion and Empowerment

In his address, LG Sinha praised the resilience and talent of Divyangjan and reaffirmed his commitment to making Jammu & Kashmir more accessible and inclusive.

“We have worked with dedication for the empowerment of Divyangjan. Over the past few years, major initiatives have been undertaken to ensure their dignity, rights, and well-being. I am fully committed to their integration into social, economic, and cultural life,” he stated.

Government Initiatives for Divyangjan

The LG outlined several key measures taken by the government to create a supportive and enabling environment for Divyangjan. He emphasized the importance of equal opportunities and highlighted the reforms introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure that both public and private establishments follow policies addressing the challenges faced by Divyangjan.

“Divyangjan have immense potential to achieve extraordinary success. They are gifted individuals who bring positive change to society. They are not seeking welfare but rather their constitutional rights,” he added.

Education & Skill Development for Divyangjan

Emphasizing the crucial role of education, the LG urged civil society organizations and stakeholders to support the education of Divyangjan in an inclusive setting.

“Education is the most powerful tool for employment and progress. Additionally, skilling is essential to help them achieve self-reliance. A multi-faceted skilling approach and collaborative efforts will ensure that Divyangjan can fully realize their potential,” he said.

The LG also commended Para-Archers Sheetal Devi and Rakesh Kumar, recognizing their inspiring journeys and determination as a source of motivation for all.

Call for 100% Unique ID Card Saturation

Stressing the need for better identification of beneficiaries, LG Sinha directed officials from the Social Welfare Department to ensure 100% saturation of Unique ID Cards for Divyangjan.

“The J&K Government has already requested the Government of India to organize two mega camps for Divyangjan—one each in Jammu and Kashmir Division,” he announced.

Cultural Performances & Felicitations

The event featured cultural performances and martial arts demonstrations by children from Composite Regional Centre Jammu, Directorate of Social Welfare, and other organizations. The Lieutenant Governor was also presented with the Mata Ki Chunni of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi along with handmade flower pots and bouquets.

During the occasion, the LG felicitated officials and representatives from various organizations, including:

• Composite Regional Centre Jammu

• Jigar Foundation

• Muskan Charitable Trust & Muskan Foundation Vijaypur

• Swami Vivekanand Educational Trust

• Directorate of Social Welfare

• Office of the Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities (PwD)

• J&K Samaj Kalyan Kendra Jammu

• Voluntary Medicare Society Srinagar

• Residential School for the Blinds, Roopnagar Jammu

A pledge to safeguard the rights and interests of Divyangjan was also administered.

Dignitaries in Attendance

The event was attended by prominent officials, including:

• Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary

• Sanjeev Verma, Commissioner Secretary, Social Welfare

• Rupesh Kumar, Director, Social Welfare Jammu

• Iqbal Lone, Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities

• Senior officials, Divyangjan, representatives of various NGOs, and civil society members

Cutting across party lines, several legislators in the Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly urged the government to increase the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) and grant a one-time power amnesty for domestic consumers, particularly benefiting poor and marginalized sections.

Key Demands Raised by MLAs

• CDF Increase & Power Amnesty: Multiple MLAs, including those from BJP and National Conference, emphasized the need for higher CDF to address local issues effectively.
• Regularization of Daily Wagers & NHM Employees: MLAs, including BJP’s Rajiv Jasrotia and D.K. Manyal, criticized delays in the regularization of daily wagers and NHM employees, urging immediate action.
• Tourism Promotion & Infrastructure Development:
  • Sajjad Shaheen called for developing Ghoda Gali as a heritage site and Chenab for water rafting.
  • Sharifuddin Shariq highlighted the untapped hydroelectric and tourism potential of Doodh Pathri and Tosamaidan.
• Reforms in Administration & Governance:
  • Mohd Yousuf Tarigami demanded implementation of SRO-17 and minimum wages for daily wagers at par with central standards.
  • Riaz Ahmed sought reforms in the Public Service Commission (PSC) and Services Recruitment Board (SRB) to expedite recruitment.
  • Dr. Narinder Singh emphasized accountability in governance and called for a Refugee Board to address refugee concerns.
• Concerns Over Regional Discrimination:
  • Choudhary Akram and Ghulam Mohiddin Mir alleged development disparities in their constituencies, particularly in border areas like Poonch and Rajouri.
  • Shabbir Ahmed raised concerns over the lack of financial assistance for Muslim migrants.

The MLAs stressed that urgent action on these demands would ensure equitable development, efficient governance, and better living conditions for the people of Jammu & Kashmir.

Legislative Assembly Passes Grants Worth ₹85,430 Crore

Jammu, March 21 – Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday announced the reintroduction of the Roshni Scheme in a new form, an increase in the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) for MLAs, and an extension of the amnesty scheme for domestic electricity consumers. He also proposed the formation of a House Committee to review a salary hike for MLAs, similar to the system followed in Parliament.

The announcements were made during the Chief Minister’s 70-minute reply on the debate for grants of his departments in the Legislative Assembly. The House passed grants worth ₹85,430 crore for 13 departments after all MLAs withdrew their cut motions.

Reviving the Roshni Scheme

Referring to the Roshni Scheme, Omar said that it was originally introduced in 2001 by the then Farooq Abdullah-led government. The law granted ownership rights of state land to unauthorized occupants upon payment, with the goal of generating revenue for power projects. Over the years, successive governments modified the scheme, ultimately leading to its repeal in 2018, followed by a CBI probe.

Omar acknowledged that the scheme could not be defended in court due to amendments made by the PDP-Congress government, which removed land ceiling restrictions. He emphasized the need to bring back the scheme in a new, legally sound form.

Increase in CDF and MLA Salaries

Highlighting concerns raised by legislators, Omar announced an increase in the CDF from ₹3 crore to ₹4 crore per annum.

Regarding MLAs’ salaries, he noted that they had remained unchanged since 2015-16. He proposed forming a House Committee with leaders from various political parties to examine the Parliament model, where MPs’ salaries are revised every five years based on inflation.

He also assured that pensions for former MLAs and honorariums for their personal assistants (PAs) would be increased.

Amnesty Scheme Extended for Domestic Electricity Consumers

As the Minister in charge of the Power Development Department, Omar announced a one-year extension of the amnesty scheme for domestic electricity consumers. However, he made it clear that this would be the final extension. Under the scheme, interest on outstanding dues will be waived, and consumers will need to pay only the principal amount along with monthly rent.

“This is the seventh amnesty scheme. Amnesty is essentially a punishment for those who pay their bills on time,” he remarked.

Article 370 Debate and Verbal Duels in the Assembly

During his address, Omar responded to remarks made by Leader of Opposition (LoP) Sunil Sharma, who had praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for bringing J&K at par with the rest of India by abrogating Article 370.

Omar questioned whether the J&K Assembly was truly equal to other state assemblies in the country. He also criticized BJP’s rhetoric on historical matters, arguing that the party had itself altered the state’s original laws and map, including the removal of the Ranbir Penal Code (RPC).

Concerns Over Economic Disparities and Urban Planning

Omar acknowledged economic disparities in J&K and highlighted the need for employment opportunities for local youth. Addressing urban planning issues, he pointed out the inefficiency in utilizing infrastructure such as footpaths, cycle tracks, and parking facilities.

“We need a collective shift in mindset to properly utilize our urban infrastructure,” he said. He also emphasized decongesting cities by developing planned residential townships while ensuring no displacement of locals.

Heritage Preservation and Governance Reforms

The CM announced restoration efforts for 33 heritage sites across J&K, with a budget of ₹65 crore, and plans for 73 more sites at a cost of ₹170 crore. He stressed that heritage defines identity and called for the expedited completion of projects like the Mubarak Mandi restoration.

Additionally, Omar proposed restoring the independent role of the Planning Department, which was merged with the Finance Department, to ensure better governance and policy execution.

Strict Action Against Unauthorized Occupation of Government Property

Highlighting the acute shortage of government accommodation, Omar advocated for vertical housing solutions, citing the Motibagh model in Delhi. However, he condemned unauthorized occupation, stating that action would be taken against those exceeding their entitlement or illegally occupying government property.

Assembly Passes Grants for Various Departments

The Legislative Assembly passed grants totaling ₹85,430 crore for 13 departments after three days of extensive discussion. The allocation included:

• ₹62,703.47 crore – Finance Department
• ₹4,061.30 crore – Housing & Urban Development
• ₹1,963.69 crore – Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation & Reconstruction
• ₹810.73 crore – Revenue Department
• ₹762.84 crore – Law Department
• ₹612.80 crore – Tourism
• ₹466.83 crore – Hospitality, Protocol & Estates

Final Remarks and Political Jibes

Referring to BJP MLA Balwant Singh Mankotia’s remarks about his leadership style, Omar humorously compared his approach to cricket.

“I have not changed the game; I have only changed my tactics. Earlier, I was bowling fast because the Australian pitches support pace, but now I am bowling spin because BCCI pitches favor spin. The goal remains the same – to win,” he said, drawing applause from his party members.

He concluded his speech by urging legislators to avoid religiously sensitive comments and maintain decorum in political discourse.