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Address developmental challenges

Young Bites. Dated: 12/5/2017 11:33:57 AM

The economy of Jammu and Kashmir State has suffered badly from disturbed conditions prevailing in the State for almost more than two decades. It would, therefore, be necessary to put the economy back on track and accelerate the pace of growth of economy and make-up for the losses suffered. The Jammu and Kashmir state with its varied and diversified geographic, agro-climatic and topographic features poses very peculiar and unique problems of development and administration. Closed corner location, remoteness and isolation from major markets, scattered population, and lack of infrastructure and dislocation of normal civic life during the two decades - all these factors and characteristics define special developmental challenges. This paper provides an overview about the Jammu and Kashmir economy. And suggest suitable measures to overcome the problems. Jammu and Kashmir is an important tourist destination and has been a place of attraction for tourists since centuries. The lush green forests, sweet springs, perennial rivers, picturesque alpine scenery and pleasant climate of Kashmir valley, has remained an internationally acclaimed tourist destination, whereas Jammu region - the land of temples is attracting a large number of pilgrim tourists and the important destination has been Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine. Ladakh region, the moon land has been a much sought-after destination, especially for the foreign tourists and is famous for adventure tourism. The tourism tag has placed always the state of Jammu and Kashmir in the limelight at national level as well as the international level. The state of Jammu and Kashmir offers a challenge to planners as well as administrators in tackling the manifold problems associated with the economic backwardness of the state. The Jammu and Jammu and Kashmir state accounts for 3.2% of the total geographical area and 1% of the total population of the country. Jammu and Kashmir has not been a preferred destination for private investment and not much progress has been made in respect of PPP. Therefore, in the absence of private investment, planning cannot be merely indicative. This calls for proactive role the Government has to play in the economic transformation of the state. In view of resource constraints the state needs to get maximum possible benefits of the various infrastructural developmental programmes which cover road connectivity, rural electrification, water supply and irrigation etc, like PMGSY, RGGVKY, NRHM, PMRP, and BADP. Identification and execution of projects, cost and time overruns are some of the problems that deserve special attention. Another important programme known as Border Area Development Programme (BADP), a 100% centrally sponsored programme, with focus on improvement of infrastructure aims at meeting special needs of the people living in remote and inaccessible areas situated near the borders.