In a move aimed at strengthening local trade, promoting traditional crafts and boosting tourism infrastructure, the Jammu and Kashmir Cabinet on Wednesday approved the construction of two PM Ekta (Unity) Malls in Jammu and Srinagar with a total investment of Rs 255 crore.
The decision was taken during a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. The proposed malls are part of the Government of India’s flagship initiative to establish Unity Malls across the country for showcasing region-specific products, handicrafts, handloom items and tourism-related offerings under the One District One Product (ODOP) programme.
As per official details, the Cabinet sanctioned the establishment of a PM Ekta Mall at Rail Head Complex, Trikuta Nagar, Jammu, at an estimated cost of Rs 125 crore. Another mall will be developed at Kashmir Haat in Srinagar with a projected expenditure of Rs 130 crore.
Officials said the projects have already secured in-principle approval from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), paving the way for their execution in the Union Territory.
The Jammu facility will be developed on nearly three acres of land at the strategically located Rail Head Complex near Jammu Railway Station. The land has been transferred by the Jammu Development Authority to the Industries and Commerce Department for implementation of the project. The Srinagar mall will be established at Kashmir Haat, a well-known venue dedicated to the promotion of local handicrafts and cultural products.
According to officials, the malls are expected to serve as dedicated marketing hubs for artisans, craftsmen, entrepreneurs, self-help groups and local producers, providing them with enhanced opportunities to showcase and sell their products to visitors from across the country and abroad.
The Cabinet was informed that the Union Ministry of Finance has sanctioned Rs 200 crore to Jammu and Kashmir under the Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) for the development of the Unity Malls. Authorities have already released an initial instalment of Rs 50 crore each for the Jammu and Srinagar projects.
The construction work will be carried out by the Public Works (R&B) Department. Upon completion, the facilities will be managed through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model to ensure efficient operations and long-term sustainability, while ownership of the assets will remain with the Government.
Meanwhile, the Cabinet also approved rehabilitation and resettlement measures for shopkeepers and kiosk owners affected by the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway expansion project in Jammu.
To facilitate the rehabilitation process, the Cabinet sanctioned the transfer of three kanal of State land at Gole Gujral to the Jammu Municipal Corporation for the development of a municipal market. The move is expected to provide rehabilitation to 33 shopkeepers displaced due to road widening works at Nai Basti and Satwari Chowk.
The twin decisions are expected to accelerate infrastructure development, create employment opportunities, strengthen local entrepreneurship and provide a major boost to the promotion of Jammu and Kashmir’s rich cultural and economic heritage, officials said. (KNC)