#JAMMU: Continuing its mission of providing convenient banking services to the people of remote areas, J&K Bank today operationalised an Easy Banking Unit (EBU) at Surinsar in Jammu. The EBU will provide the basic facilities of banking like cash deposit, cash withdrawal, account openings etc. to the people of the area.
The Bank’s General Manager & Divisional Head (Jammu) Sunit Kumar e-inaugurated the EBU Surinsar in the presence of Zonal Head (Jammu) Rajesh Dubey, Cluster Heads with elected public representatives of the area, prominent persons and local residents present in good numbers at the base Branch Tootan-Di-Khui.
Speaking on the occasion, the Divisional Head reiterated the Bank’s commitment citing its contribution in rendering world class banking facilities to the people irrespective of their location and status. He said, “We will continue to expand as well as deepen our footprint to serve the people belonging to different geographies by extending the latest banking facilities and financial services to their nearest possible destinations. The EBU at Surinsar will go a long way in helping the people of the area in meeting their daily banking needs.”
While seeking support from the public, the GM assured them that the outlet will make every effort to meet the expectations of the people of the area.
People present at the base branch Tootan-di-Khui expressed their gratitude to the Bank management for opening an EBU in their area. “The EBU will definitely enhance the bonding of the people with the J&K bank”, they said.
Pertinently, it was a long outstanding demand of the people of the area which is being developed as an upcoming destination spot and is a major attraction for the tourists because of the shimmering Surinsar Lake.
NEW DELHI: The Revised Estimates for 2023-24 and Interim Budget 2024-25 of Government of Jammu and Kashmir were today placed before the Parliament by Union Finance Minister, Smt. Nirmala Sithraman. The two Appropriation Bills on the Supplementary Budget for 2023-24 and Vote on Account for 2024-25 will be considered by the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha in this regard.
Finance Department of the UT had drafted the Supplementary Budget for the current year and the Interim Budget for the next financial year. For this, the Department had assessed the revenue receipts of the UT Government from GST, motor spirit tax, excise, and stamp duty. Further, the non-tax revenue from electricity and water supply, mining royalty, timber sales, annual rent from industrial lands, etc were also examined. The own revenue of the UT Government has been estimated at Rs. 20,867 crore. The UT Government also pursued Government of India for getting central financial assistance.
Lieutenant Governor, Shri Manoj Sinha and Chief Secretary, Shri Atal Dulloo led the UT’s efforts in this direction. Crucial meetings were held in August 2023, October 2023 and January 2024 in Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Finance to review these demands of the UT Government. Union Home Minister and Union Finance Minister personally reviewed the fiscal management of the UT Government in recent months.
Accordingly, the Central Government has agreed to provide ₹41751.44 Cr to the UT Government in this financial year and ₹ 37277.74 Cr in the next financial year. These assistance figures have been duly captured in the Revised Estimates of 2023-24 and the Budget Estimates of 2024-25 of the Union Government. This assistance will be provided under the MHA’s demand no 58 for assistance to the UT. This assistance includes the normal assistance (resource gap) to the UT Government, equity contribution for hydropower projects at Kiru, Kwar and Rattle, etc. These assistance figures are captured in the Union Budget which is already before the Parliament and the same will be taken up for discussion before the UT’s interim budget.
Building on this, Government of Jammu and Kashmir drafted its Supplementary Budget for 2023-24 and Vote on Account for 2024-25. Finance Department also drafted the two Appropriation Bills (Supplementary Demands and Vote on Account) for placing before the Parliament.
The revised estimates for 2023-24 is overall lower than the budgeted estimates 2023-24 as the UT government was successful in streamlining its expenditure. The supplementary demands for 2023-24 of ₹8,712.90 Cr pertain to the four Departments of Finance, Power Development, Hospitality and Protocol and Cooperatives.
The supplementary budget is required by Finance department in view of the repayment of debt, while Power Development department needs to provide for power procurement. The Hospitality and Protocol department intends to develop the new J&K Bhawan at Dwarka, New Delhi for which land will be allotted from DDA. The Cooperative department requires the funding additionally for its new CSS, Assistance to Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS).These additional demands are proposed to be catered with Supplementary Demands for the current year 2023-24.
The interim budget for 2024-25makes provisions for the ongoing initiatives for infrastructure development, sustainable agriculture, new industrial estate, PRI level works, employment generation, developing tourism, and social inclusion.During preparation of the interim budget proposals, consultations were held with all the Departments and various stakeholders to provide for ongoing initiatives and arrive at realistic budgetary numbers. For finalizing expenditure proposals, assessment of financing needs of infrastructure projects, social and economic measures undertaken by Departments was undertaken.
The budgetary exercise focused on the imperative of advancing the cause of the greater collective good within the realistically realizable resources. While the budgetary estimate for the next financial year 2024-25 is about ₹1,18,728 Cr, the UT Government has proposed the Vote on Account for ₹59,364 Cr.
This interim budget for 2024-25 covers revenue expenditure of ₹40,081 Cr and capital expenditure of ₹19,283 Cr.The interim budget of Jammu and Kashmir for 2024-25 provides for the ongoing measures and schemes as follows –
1) ₹2959 Cr provisioned for tap-water connectivity for rural areas under Jal Jeevan Mission with Rs 532 crore as UT Share.
2) ₹934 Cr for transforming agriculture and allied sectors of the UT through the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), including provisions for IFAD funded J&K Comprehensive Investment Plan (JKCIP).
3) ₹1907 Cr for rejuvenating school education infrastructure and services through funding under Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan.
4) Provision of improving road connectivity with ₹ 1683 Cr for PMGSY roads,₹ 300 Cr for CRF roads, and ₹ 1000 Cr NABARD scheme.
5) ₹ 1313 Cr for strengthening decentralized governance by providing for local area works of panchayat and urban local bodies.
6) ₹ 1271 Cr for strengthening infrastructure and services in the health sector under National Health Mission mechanism.
7) ₹ 1093 Cr for rural housing under PMAwasYojana-Grameen scheme.
8) ₹ 1000 Cr for comprehensive social security coverage for Old aged, Widow and Disabled pensions by saturation approach.
9) ₹ 660 Cr for J&K’s equity for in the hydro electric projects at Ratle, Kwar, and Kiru, which would provide stable revenue source and cheaper power.
10) ₹505Cr for timely procurement of machinery, equipments,prosthetic aidsand drugs in Health sector through the dedicated corporation.
11) ₹ 500 Cr for capitalization of the banks, including Cooperative Banks, Rural Banks, J&K Bank, etc.
12) ₹ 450 Cr for infrastructure of new Colleges and Universities as per NEP vision.
13) ₹430 Cr for women empowerment intervention ofLadliBeti and Marriage Assistance
14) ₹ 400 Cr for construction of Transit accommodations for Kashmiri Pandit employees.
15) ₹ 400 Cr for development of Industrial Estates and related infrastructure.
16) ₹ 370 Cr under Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Urban) scheme.
17) ₹ 390 Cr for Flood Management Project of River Jhelum.
18) ₹ 450 Cr for GST re-imbursement to ensure timely reimbursement of the claims.
19) ₹ 272Cr for DDC/BDC grants improving local governance at district and block level
20) ₹ 174 Crfor development of model schools under PM-Shri scheme.
21) ₹ 150 Cr for developing rooftop solar and other avenues of new and renewable energy.
22) ₹ 140 Cr for creation of Sports Infrastructure
23) ₹ 100 Cr for conclusion of World Bank funded Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery Project.
24) ₹ 100 Cr for Mission Youth programmes for education, skilling, and employment
25) ₹ 100 Cr for heritage preservation,
26) Rs91 Cr for new tourism destinations, new circuits, Sufi circuit and identified religious circuits, ropeways, highway resting placesand promotion of Golf.
27) ₹ 70 Cr under infrastructure for welfare of tribals for construction of Tribal Hostels/Milk Villages/ Nomad Shelters/Libraries for Gujjars.
28) ₹ 100 Cr for sewerage projects in urban areas, ₹ 70 Cr for development of new Townships and affordable housing and ₹ 50 Cr for Dal development.
29) ₹ 40 Cr for Tourism promotion, ₹15 Cr for the festival promotion and for promotion of cinema/ threatre.
30) ₹ 40 Cr for meeting incentives as per the provisions of the Industrial Policy and Start-ups; ₹ 15 Cr for trade promotion through J&K TPO; and ₹ 100 Cr for Youth startup/Job fairs/employment fairs.
31) ₹ 30 Cr for establishment of cold storage and ₹ 30 Cr for high density plantation.
32) ₹80 Cr for establishment of DDC/BDC/PRI accommodation and offices as also for security arrangements of DDC/BDC/PRI representatives.
33) ₹59Cr for construction of Police Housing colony and relief and rehabilitation
34) ₹45Cr for construction of Bunkers and for digitization and CCTVs in Police Stations
35) ₹ 30 Cr for improving Quality in Schools, School Infrastructure, for Career Counseling and for introduction of additional Streams in Schools.
36) ₹ 5 Cr for replacement of old fleet in transport sector.
The two Appropriation Bills on the Supplementary Demands for 2023-24 and Vote on Account for 2024-25 of the UT Government are likely to be considered by the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha during 7th to 9th February 2024.
#JAMMU: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha interacted with the artists from Jammu Kashmir, who participated in Vande Bharatam Dance Festival at the Republic Day Parade at Kartavya Path, New Delhi.
A group of 40 female artists represented J&K at the ‘Vande Bharatam’, a cultural extravaganza celebrating the Nari Shakti. During the grand parade, the artists, through their vibrant and energetic performance, enthralled the audiences and brought out India’s diverse cultural and artistic heritage in the true spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.
The Lt Governor congratulated the talented Artists. He said they are inspiring example for youth. On the occasion, the Artists also shared their experiences.
#JAMMU: PHE City Division No.1 Jammu has urged the people to deposit Water Tax Dues before online or through J&K Bank Deposit by March 31, 2024.
“It is for the information of general public (i.e. area falling under the jurisdiction of PHE City Division No.1 Jammu} that please ensure to deposit their water tax dues before 31.03-2024 online or by J&K bank Deposit. The online deposits can be made on our portal www.jkphedwaterbilling.com” a communiqué issues here stated.
It further stated that the consumers can get the computerized bills from the respective sub-divisions i.e Dhounthly, Bakshi Nagar, Muthi (New Plot) and Sitlee.
#SRINAGAR: The Gulmarg Gondola is soaring high in skies, both in terms of the revenue generated and the number of tourists ferried.
During the year passed by, more than a million tourists (10, 13, 458) enjoyed the rides of the Gondolas enabling the J&K Cable Car Corporation to earn a revenue of more than Rs. 108 crore during the last calendar year. This is encouragingly higher than the figures of previous year(2022) which stood at Rs. 91 crore as revenue and 8.50 lakh tourist rides. What is more, tourists describe the experience as surreal and alluring.
The J&K Cable Car Corporation runs and manages the Gulmarg Gondola, considered the flagship attraction of Kashmir tourism. It is possibly India’s most popular ropeway, and at a height of 14,000 ft, it is Asia’s highest operating cable car.
Besides the enhanced revenue and visitor trips, the Corporation, during the last year, improved and enhanced the service delivery by improving the ticket issuing mechanism, undertaking several safety tests and overhauled the second phase of the Gondola with latest technology.
Tourists undertaking the Gondola rides have memorable experiences to share. “It was an amazing ride. The bookings were seamless. I invite people from all across to enjoy the experiences of Gulmarg Gondola”, said Akshay from London who is on vacation at Gulmarg these days. Another tourist couple Shubham and Ajat, who are visiting Gulmarg for the first time, were fascinated by the arrangements and sanitation at both the phases of Gulmarg Gondola. The experiences were echoed by another family from Delhi.
“The people of Gondola are so friendly. My daughter fell cold and these people helped her with everything they could”, said a tourist from Vietnam, Kentran who was keen to visit the place once again.
Managing Director, J&K Cable Car Corporation, Raja Yaqoob has appealed to tourists to avail the online mode of ticket selling for their convenience, time saving and curbing the chances of any black marketing by any tout. He said the Corporation is committed to improving the tourist experience by giving them easy, hassle free and safe rides.
He assured of even better facilities in the days to come and appealed to tourists to adhere to timings mentioned in the ticket to avoid any inconvenience. He said tourist feedback is being taken seriously and necessary improvements in customer services are being made.
It may be mentioned here that the Gulmarg Cable Car comprises two phases; one from Gulmarg resort to Kongdori valley and the second from Kongdori to Apharwath Peak.
#JAMMU: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha attended the Annual Day Celebration of Sainik School, Nagrota, today.
The Lt Governor congratulated the Administration, students and teachers of the institution on the occasion.
Sainik School Nagrota has always lived up to its motto of “Gyan, Veerta aur Anushasan” – Knowledge, Bravery and Discipline and its alumni are rendering distinguished service to the nation in various other sectors, he added.
“Education nurture future leaders. They are symbol of ambitious India, determined to create a knowledge society and advance India’s economic prowess in the world,” the Lt Governor said.
He called upon the educational institutions, teaching community to reinforce the ideals of nation building and transform the youth into the ambassadors of a progressive India.
We have to ensure that our education system strengthen the culture and ethos and empowered to create a strong, prosperous and Viksit Bharat, he said.
The Lt Governor advised the students to focus on life skills, find their inner voice, learn through own experiences and collaborations.
Discipline, strong character and self-confidence to overcome challenges will guide you towards a glorious future, he said.
The Lt Governor reiterated the commitment of the UT Administration to provide necessary support to the Sainik School.
He also extended his felicitations to the Cadets of Sainik School Nagrota who excelled in the prestigious NDA examination.
On the occasion, the Lt Governor handed over the 32 seater school bus costing Rs 21.38 lakh, sponsored by the UT Administration, to the officials of the Sainik School.
Earlier, the Lt Governor received the ceremonial Guard of Honor from the students and presented the academic awards to meritorious cadets.
He also inaugurated Arts and Science Exhibition and visited the School’s IT Computer Lab and Atal Tinkering Lab.
Students presented captivating performances on the theme of national integration and highlighting social issues.
#JAMMU: In a vibrant display of national pride and commitment to development, the Viksit Bharat Yatra today reached the ‘Zero Line Border Panchayat’ of Suchetgarh. The event, graced by Member of Parliament Jugal Kishore Sharma as the Chief Guest, witnessed enthusiastic participation of locals and other eminent persons.
The Viksit Bharat Yatra van, adorned with messages of progress and transformation, received a grand welcome, setting the tone for a day filled with information, interaction and inspiration. A video message from the Prime Minister kick-started the program, urging all present to take a solemn pledge towards building a self-reliant India by 2047.
The MP, along with other dignitaries, inspected 17 stalls showcasing various initiatives undertaken by frontline departments. This interactive session provided insights into the diverse efforts being made to improve lives across sectors.
In his address, Jugal Kishore Sharma expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the local population for their enthusiastic participation. He reiterated the Prime Minister’s vision for the Viksit Bharat Yatra program, emphasising its role in raising awareness and urging active public engagement. He encouraged everyone to take selfies with the Yatra van, further amplifying the program’s message.
The program came alive with captivating cultural performances by students from local schools. National-level sports persons were also honoured during the event, recognizing their dedication and outstanding contributions to the nation’s sporting glory.
The Social Welfare Department helped in distribution of Ayushman cards and sanction letters to beneficiaries of the Old Age Pension Scheme. Representatives from other government departments took the stage to inform the audience about the multitude of schemes launched by the Government of India.
A health camp, organised under the supervision of BMO RS Pura Dr. Monika Kotwal, took place concurrently at the Community Hall in Suchetgarh. The camp offered NCD screening, anaemia screening and TB screening, along with counselling and awareness sessions about various health-related schemes. Free medicines were also distributed to those in need.
Sarpanch Suchetgarh, Des Raj besides other PRI representatives participated in the event.
Other dignitaries present at the occasion include ADC Jammu, Sandeep Seointra; SDM RS Pura, Seema Parihar; Tehsildar Suchetgarh, Nirbhay Sharma; BDO Akanksha Gupta besides other officers.
