Bharatiya Janata Party Jammu & Kashmir President and Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament, Sat Sharma, CA, forcefully raised key issues concerning the functioning, financial health and strengthening of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir during the ongoing session of the Rajya Sabha in New Delhi.
Through a Starred Question, Sat Sharma sought comprehensive details regarding the implementation status of AMRUT 2.0, financial allocations, progress of works, release of Central assistance, and the overall institutional capacity of ULBs in Jammu & Kashmir. The question reflected his deep concern for ensuring robust urban governance, improved civic infrastructure and accountable urban development in the UT.
Replying to the question, the Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal, informed the House that AMRUT 2.0, launched on 1st October 2021, covers all 56 Urban Local Bodies of Jammu & Kashmir, with a total of 90 projects approved at a cost of ₹1,002.37 crore, including a Central share of ₹867 crore. The mission focuses on making cities self-reliant and water-secure, with universal coverage of sewerage and septage management, rejuvenation of water bodies, and development of green spaces.
The Minister further stated that, as per the AMRUT 2.0 portal, 87 projects worth ₹677.75 crore have already been grounded, while works amounting to ₹144.11 crore have been physically completed, reflecting steady and visible progress on the ground. Importantly, the Union Territory has not reported any delay in the receipt of Central funds, underscoring the efficiency and transparency of fund flow under the Modi Government.
In addition to project funding, the Ministry has provided special financial support to J&K under various initiatives, including ₹7.35 crore as incentive under the ‘Jal Hi Amrit’ initiative, ₹3.60 crore for preparation of GIS-based Master Plans for 25 towns, and ₹0.25 crore under AMRUT Mitra projects, further strengthening urban planning and service delivery mechanisms.
Sat Sharma lauded the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that the AMRUT 2.0 mission reflects the Centre’s unwavering commitment to empowering Urban Local Bodies and building resilient urban infrastructure in Jammu & Kashmir. He said that the structured financial support, institutional reforms and performance-based approach adopted by the Modi Government have significantly strengthened the ULB framework in the UT.
The BJP J&K President emphasized that strong and financially empowered Urban Local Bodies are the backbone of grassroots democracy and sustainable urban development. He reaffirmed that the BJP will continue to raise people-centric issues in Parliament to ensure that Jammu & Kashmir receives its rightful share of development, modern infrastructure and responsive urban governance.
Sat Sharma also reiterated that under the Modi Government, Jammu & Kashmir has witnessed a new era of planned urban transformation, transparency and accountability, with Urban Local Bodies being empowered as key drivers of development and public service delivery.
