Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Reviews Capital Expenditure Plans for 2025-26 Across Departments

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah recently led a series of departmental reviews to assess the Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) plans for 2025-26. These meetings focused on the estates, revenue, tourism, and culture departments. Abdullah stressed the need for quick plan approvals, fund authorisations, and project executions to enhance institutional capacity and achieve significant outcomes, according to an official spokesperson.

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The Estates Department reported a 94.93% expenditure of Rs 2,452.34 lakh for CAPEX 2024-25 from the released Rs 2,583.19 lakh. Of the 217 total works, 182 have been completed. For 2025-26, the department has a CAPEX budget ceiling of Rs 10,000 lakh. Major projects like the 400 flats at Pampore and others in Jammu are progressing well, with some expected to finish by October 2025.

Focus on Revenue and Tourism Departments

In the Revenue Department, Rs 69 crore out of the approved Rs 79 crore has been uploaded on the BEAMS portal. The department has proposed 133 new projects and continues its digitisation efforts, having completed full scanning of revenue records. The Aapki Zameen Aapki Nigrani platform launched in October 2021 provides real-time land record access and saved Rs 19.83 crore through in-house digitisation.

The Tourism Department's CAPEX plan for 2024-25 approved Rs 388.20 crore, with Rs 247.66 crore already spent, marking a 66.08% expenditure rate. Out of 1,551 total works, 871 have been completed so far. For 2025-26, the department plans 1,071 works with a financial outlay of Rs 191.87 crore, including funds for Shri Amarnathji Yatra.

Culture Department Initiatives

The Culture Department has completed 16 out of 106 heritage restoration projects and aims to finish another 46 by March 2026. The department is finalising its draft Cultural Policy for public consultation soon. Abdullah praised the detailed planning and progress across departments but urged swift execution to ensure projects lead to tangible improvements.

The meeting also highlighted plans to revive idle tourism assets and improve amenities along travel routes. Efforts are underway to monetise under-utilised properties and prepare master plans for key destinations. Strengthening tourism infrastructure and launching promotional campaigns are priorities for attracting more visitors.

Abdullah assured that his government is committed to enhancing governance, modernising public infrastructure, and accelerating inclusive development across all sectors.

With inputs from PTI