‘UT hasn’t received sufficient funding’
Irfan Tramboo
SRINAGAR, Feb 17: Union Minister for Parliamentary and Minority Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, today said that a lack of coordination between the J&K Administration and the Ministry of Minority Affairs (MMA) has led to limited funding for various schemes.
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Speaking with reporters in Gulmarg after chairing a review meeting, the Union Minister said the Government aims to extend support in key sectors such as healthcare and education through central schemes in identified areas.
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“There hasn’t been enough funding. I have identified where the problem lies-there is a lack of coordination between the J&K Administration and the Ministry of Minority Affairs. As a result, J&K has not received sufficient funding under these schemes,” he said.
He stated that he chaired a meeting with officers from the Social Welfare Department, who provided updates on the implementation of schemes.
The Minister emphasized that funding for these schemes is considered only after they are uploaded on the portal, reiterating that the Ministry is keen on supporting various sectors through central initiatives.
“In sectors like healthcare, education, sports, and local handicrafts, we can provide support. If there are issues related to drinking water, we can formulate a project and secure funding since provisions exist for such initiatives,” he said.
Rijiju highlighted two key schemes-Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK) and PM-VIKAS-under which skill development and infrastructure creation can be facilitated in J&K.
“Under PMJVK, we can develop essential infrastructure in J&K, while PM-VIKAS focuses on skilling and training support,” he said.
It is important to note that PM-VIKAS is a skilling initiative by the Ministry of Minority Affairs, aimed at addressing the skilling, entrepreneurship, and leadership training needs of minority and artisan communities across the country.
PMJVK is an area development program that focuses on creating community infrastructure and basic amenities in identified regions.
The Union Minister further stated that schemes for 18 districts are ready and that their execution will be prioritized. “We will ensure that the projects are approved by the committee headed by the Chief Secretary,” he said.
He stressed the need for effective utilization of funds under these schemes, pointing out that in the past, they were not spent efficiently.
Commenting on the Union Budget, he said, “If the opposition is upset, it means the Budget is quite good. I have never seen such a great budget in my life. And what the government has done in J&K is visible-there are highways and other infrastructure developments.”
Regarding the opposition to the Wakf Bill, particularly from former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Rijiju remarked, “I think the CM has either not read the bill or is opposing it for the sake of opposition. The bill is intended for the betterment of economically weaker Muslims, and we are not against any religion.”
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