PMDP’s component for horticulture sector in J&K
By: Ibni Maqbool
Srinagar: The Government of India has granted extension of one more year for implementation of the Prime Minister’s Development Package’s component for restoration of damaged horticulture areas and development of horticulture in Jammu & Kashmir Union Territory.
An official letter accessed by The Precious Kashmir reveals that the Centre has granted further extension of timeline for implementation of the PMDP’s component for horticulture sector beyond 3l.O3.2O22 by 12 months i.e. upto 31.03.2023.
This was communicated to the J&K government on June 20 by the Union Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.
The last extension was granted to the scheme in 2019. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs had then given its approval for extension of timeline upto 31.03.2022 and revision/ re-appropriation of approved components of Prime Minister’s Development Package (PMDP) for development of horticulture in the UTs of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh under Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH).
Under the PMDP, Rs 500 crore were approved for restoration of damaged horticulture areas and development of horticulture in the erstwhile State of Jammu & Kashmir, with Rs 450 crore as Central share and Rs 50 crore state share.
The project was to be implemented over a period of three years upto 31.03.2019.
After August 5, 2019 constitutional changes , the State of J&K was bifurcated into two Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, which required revision of physical & financial targets under PMDP separately between the UTs of J&K and Ladakh.
As per revised allocations, Rs 460.33 crore were earmarked for UT of Jammu & Kashmir and Rs 39.67 crore for UT of Ladakh.
According to the letter, the Centre has also directed J&K government/ implementing agencies not to commit expenditure/liability beyond the approved allocation.
“This administrative approval 2022-23 shall be treated as interim in nature and no release of funds will be allowed beyond the 3O.O9.2O22 pending appraisal/approval of the scheme for continuation or any specific relaxation given by the department of Expenditure in this regard. During this interim extension
period, there shall be no change in nature, scope and coverage of the scheme as approved for the 14th Finance Commission,” the letter states.
