AJK approves Rs34.85bn development projects across key sectors

MUZAFFARABAD: The Azad Jammu and Kashmir government’s Cabinet Development Committee on Tuesday approved 44 development projects worth more than Rs34.85 billion covering a range of sectors, including communications and works, public health, education, local government, water resources and energy, information technology, and food.

The meeting was chaired by Prime Minister Raja Faisal Mumtaz Rathore. According to the details shared from the meeting, the approved schemes are aimed at improving access to modern IT skills for young people, strengthening basic public services, reinforcing the healthcare system, upgrading educational facilities, and improving the road network.

Of the total approved projects, 35 relate to the communications and works department, four to the health department, three to the elementary and secondary education department, and two to the energy and water resources department. One project each was also approved for the information technology, food, and higher education departments.

The approved initiatives include the construction of 30 kilometres of link roads in each of AJK’s 33 constituencies. They also provide for the establishment of IT excellence centres intended to create employment opportunities for youth, the construction of grid stations at Patikka in Muzaffarabad and Jabi in Bhimber, and the building of warehouses for wheat flour storage at different locations.

To address shortcomings in school infrastructure, the package also includes the construction of additional classrooms for primary classes.

Addressing the meeting, Prime Minister Rathore said improvement in health, education and infrastructure remained among the government’s top priorities. He expressed satisfaction that the approved projects had been prepared in line with public requirements so that basic facilities could be provided to people living in both remote and urban areas.

Review of development budget spending

Separately, the prime minister also presided over a review meeting on spending under the current year’s development budget up to the third quarter, which ended on March 31.

During the meeting, Secretary Planning and Development Aamir Latif Awan briefed cabinet members and senior government officials on the utilisation of funds under the Annual Development Programme, progress on ongoing schemes under the Public Sector Development Programme, as well as the remaining allocations and outstanding liabilities.

The prime minister directed all departments to ensure 100 per cent utilisation of funds allocated under the ADP and said there would be no compromise on the quality and pace of development work.