AJK ADP: Over Rs10 billion allocated for uplift projects

Communications and works depart to get major chunk of the funds.

MUZAFFARABAD: The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government has earmarked Rs10.5 billion, including Rs200 million for various projects under the Annual Development Programme (ADP) for 2014-15, showing an increase of Rs1 billion as compared to 2013-14 ADP, The Express Tribune has learnt.

The main chunk of the funds will be spent on projects initiated under communication and works department that is Rs4.726 billion while Rs1.245 billion would go to electricity department, the sources said.

Priority, it seems, has been given to the Local Government and Rural Development projects by allocating Rs850 million for its projects and the Education Department will get Rs879 million including foreign aid of Rs50 million.

The agriculture department which has failed to show any performance during the last three decades will get Rs237 million, followed by Civil Defence which will get Rs36 million. Rs50 million each will be given to five civic authorities — Muzaffarabad, Bagh, Mirpur, Kotli and Rawalakot for implementing their projects.

Health department has once again been given low priority by allocating Rs300 million, for tourism-related projects Rs115 million has been allocated.

The Power Development Organisation that deals with hydel power generation in the state has been given Rs685 million and sports Rs155 million, the sources further revealed.

Environment will get Rs25 million, forestry and fisheries Rs350 million, industries and minerals Rs195 million, transport Rs25 million, information and media development Rs5 million, information technology Rs125 million, rehabilitation and resettlement projects Rs110 million, research and development Rs100 million and women development will get Rs15 million in the ADP for next financial year.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 9^th, 2014.