Jammu Kashmir Targets Rs 2,000 Crore Under SASCI Scheme

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir is aiming to secure around Rs 2,000 crore under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme, an interest-free loan facility provided to States and Union Territories over and above their normal borrowing limits, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo said on Monday.

Chairing a high-level meeting to review the progress on SASCI, SNA SPARSH and various revenue augmentation initiatives, Dulloo stressed the scheme’s potential in strengthening infrastructure and governance. He urged departments to expedite project preparation, noting that 27 departments had already submitted proposals, which have been uploaded by the Finance Department.

The meeting also discussed sectoral reforms in transport, mining, urban planning and land record modernisation. On beneficiary payments, the Chief Secretary directed departments to achieve full Aadhaar saturation in all government schemes, including those providing benefits in kind. Finance Principal Secretary Santosh D Vaidya said Aadhaar penetration in Jammu and Kashmir had risen from just over 50 per cent to 97 per cent, with most schemes already at full coverage.

Reviewing revenue performance, Dulloo called for stronger measures to plug leakages, including tighter checks on input tax credit misuse, better e-way bill compliance and enhanced enforcement. He instructed the Power Development Department to speed up smart meter installation and improve billing efficiency to maximise revenue.