Omar Abdullah Reviews SASCI Projects, Orders Time-Bound Completion Across J&K

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday chaired a comprehensive meeting to review physical and financial progress under the Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI).

The review covered major sectors including Public Works, Jal Shakti, Youth Services and Sports, Power Development, and Housing and Urban Development.

Special attention was given to projects under the disaster-management component, with the Chief Minister directing departments to accelerate works aimed at improving resilience and restoring infrastructure damaged by natural disasters.

Departments Told to Complete SASCI Works Within Sunset Period

Abdullah directed departments to ensure the time-bound completion of ongoing SASCI projects within the scheme’s prescribed sunset period.

He stressed that delays could affect financial targets and utilisation of available central assistance.

The Chief Minister has previously asked ministers and departments to closely monitor SASCI projects and speed up implementation during the current financial year.

Disaster Mitigation Works Get Special Focus

A significant part of the review focused on the SASCI disaster component.

Abdullah directed departments to fast-track projects designed to strengthen disaster mitigation, resilience and restoration of infrastructure affected by floods, landslides and other natural calamities.

Jammu and Kashmir’s 2026-27 Budget identified disaster resilience as a major SASCI priority following severe floods and extreme weather events.

The government said an additional ₹1,431 crore had been approved for disaster mitigation and restoration works, intended for protective infrastructure and preparedness measures.

J&K Brought Under SASCI Framework

The Jammu and Kashmir government said the Union Territory was brought under the SASCI framework during the current financial year.

Under its untied component, J&K received an allocation of around ₹1,431 crore for capital projects, including infrastructure and hydropower-related investments.

The government said another allocation of the same amount was subsequently approved under the untied component following progress in implementation.

Public Works Projects Reviewed

The Chief Minister reviewed SASCI-supported works in the Public Works sector, including infrastructure requiring restoration or improvement.

J&K’s 2026-27 Budget has allocated ₹4,061 crore in capital expenditure for Public Works, with major programmes covering road construction, restoration and rural connectivity.

The government has also initiated permanent restoration works following damage caused by heavy rainfall and flash floods.

Power Development Included in Review

Progress in the Power Development sector was also examined.

The government has used SASCI funding to support its equity contribution to major hydroelectric projects, including Pakal Dul, Ratle, Kiru and Kwar.

Together, those projects have a planned capacity of more than 3,000 MW.

The administration aims to improve power generation, transmission and distribution while working towards round-the-clock electricity supply.

Jal Shakti Works Under Scrutiny

Abdullah also reviewed projects involving the Jal Shakti Department.

The government has been pursuing drinking-water infrastructure and completion of pending Jal Jeevan Mission projects, with more than 15 lakh rural households reported to have received piped-water connections.

The review emphasised timely execution and effective use of capital allocations.

Sports and Urban Development Projects Reviewed

The Chief Minister examined progress under Youth Services and Sports as well as Housing and Urban Development.

These sectors form part of the broader effort to create durable public infrastructure through SASCI financing.

Departments were instructed to improve coordination so that statutory approvals, tendering and execution do not delay completion.

Government Starts Planning for SASCI 2027-28

Abdullah directed departments to begin identifying projects for the 2027-28 SASCI plan without waiting for the next financial year.

He called for the creation of a strong “shelf of projects” that can be taken up quickly once funding becomes available.

Departments have also been asked to prepare Detailed Project Reports and tender documents in advance so projects can move directly into execution after approval.

Coordination Between Departments Emphasised

The Chief Minister stressed that departments must work in close coordination to avoid administrative and execution delays.

He said physical progress should be matched by timely expenditure so that Jammu and Kashmir can achieve maximum utilisation of funds available under SASCI.

Focus on Durable Capital Assets

The J&K SASCI projects review centred on converting available financial assistance into long-lasting infrastructure across critical sectors.

Abdullah said departments must adhere strictly to timelines, accelerate disaster-resilience works and prepare the next generation of projects well in advance.

The government’s stated objective is to use SASCI funding to strengthen infrastructure while improving J&K’s ability to withstand and recover from natural disasters.