The Government is fully committed for the overall development of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and has taken several steps in this regard which include:

1. Accelerating implementation of the Prime Minister's Development Package (PMDP) that was announced on 7^thNovember 2015 at a cost of Rs 80,068 crore. Out of 63 projects pertaining to 15 Ministries, 54 projects are being implemented in Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir at a cost of Rs.58,627crore and the remaining in the Union Territory of Ladakh. These include projects relating to Road, Power, Health, Education, Tourism, Agriculture, rehabilitation schemes for Kashmiri migrants, Skill  development sectors etc. Out of 54 projects, 20 projects are completed /substantially completed, and remaining 34 projects are at various stages of implementation.
2. Government of Jammu & Kashmir has set-up Jammu & Kashmir Infrastructure Development Finance Corporation (JKIDFC) to raise loans up to Rs. 8,000 crore for completion of nearly 6,000 projects that were languishing for years. 2,367 such projects have been approved with an amount of Rs. 7125.49 crore and 800 projects worth Rs.997.27 crore have already been completed.
3. All the flagship schemes of the Government of India including individual beneficiary centric schemes are also being proactively implemented in UT of J&K.
4. The Central Government has approved a new Central Sector Scheme for Industrial development of Jammu and Kashmir with an outlay of Rs. 28,400 Crore to boost industrial activity while nurturing existing industries as well.
5. For setting up of new Industrial Estates in J&K, the Government of Jammu & Kashmir has created a Land Bank of 29,030 kanals during 2020-21.
6. The Government of Jammu and Kashmir has approved business revival package of Rs. 1,352.99 Crore on 25^th September, 2020 etc.

 In addition to the above efforts, initiatives have also been taken by the Government of Jammu and Kashmir for the development of Tourism, Arts and Crafts Sectors, which include:

1. The new Wool Processing, Handicrafts and Handloom Policy, 2020 has been adopted for promotion and development of Handicrafts and Handloom sector.
2. The Government of Jammu and Kashmir has approved a new Financial Support Scheme for each Cooperative/Self Help Group in the Handicrafts and Handloom Sector.
3. The Government of Jammu and Kashmir has approved a new Credit Card Scheme for providing a loan to Artisans/Weavers with interest subvention of 7% for five years.
4. MoU has been signed under ‘Samarth Programme’ to promote online sale of genuine Handloom and Handicrafts products directly by Artisans/Weavers.
5. Under the Central Sector Scheme ‘PRASAD’, construction of tourist interpretation centre at Dargah Hazratbal has been completed.

Jammu Ropeway has been completed and Phase-II of Jammu Ropeway from Mahamaya to Baghe-Bahu section has also been commissioned.

This was stated by the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri G.Kishan Reddy in a written reply to question in the Rajya Sabha today.

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NW/RK/PK/DDD/1821