Says “Modi Govt strengthening ULBs through AMRUT 2.0”
New Delhi :Bharatiya Janata Party Jammu & Kashmir President and Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament, Sat Sharma, CA, on Wednesday raised key issues concerning the functioning, financial health and strengthening of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in Jammu & Kashmir during the ongoing session of the Rajya Sabha in New Delhi.
Sharma raised a Starred Question to seek detailed information on the implementation of AMRUT 2.0 in Jammu & Kashmir, focusing on financial allocations, project progress, Central assistance, and the institutional capacity of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs). His inquiry highlighted a commitment to enhancing urban governance, civic infrastructure, and accountable development in the region. In response, Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal, provided an overview of AMRUT 2.0, which was launched on October 1, 2021, and encompasses all 56 ULBs in Jammu & Kashmir. A total of 90 projects have been approved with a budget of ₹1,002.37 crore, including a Central allocation of ₹867 crore. The mission aims to promote self-reliance and water security in cities, ensuring universal access to sewerage and septage management, rejuvenating water bodies, and developing green spaces. The Minister reported that 87 projects worth ₹677.75 crore are underway, with ₹144.11 crore worth of work already completed, indicating significant progress. Notably, there have been no delays in receiving Central funds, reflecting the efficient fund management under the current government. Additionally, the Ministry has extended special financial support to Jammu & Kashmir through various initiatives, including ₹7.35 crore for the ‘Jal Hi Amrit’ initiative, ₹3.60 crore for GIS-based Master Plans for 25 towns, and ₹0.25 crore for AMRUT Mitra projects, which enhance urban planning and service delivery. Sat Sharma praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, asserting that the AMRUT 2.0 mission demonstrates the government’s commitment to empowering ULBs and developing resilient urban infrastructure in Jammu & Kashmir. He emphasized that financially robust ULBs are essential for grassroots democracy and sustainable urban development, and reaffirmed the BJP’s dedication to advocating for development and modern infrastructure in the region. Sharma concluded by stating that under the Modi Government, Jammu & Kashmir is experiencing a transformative era characterized by planned urban development, transparency, and accountability, with ULBs positioned as pivotal agents of progress and public service delivery.
