Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Nov 7: Terming the economic package announced by the Prime Minister as historic, Deputy Chief Minister Dr Nirmal Singh today said that it would give new lease to the economic sector of the State besides accelerating the development related activities resulting in changing the socio-economic profile of the people and also cater to the flood affected people.
The Deputy Chief Minister said the Rs 80000 crore package will be in addition to Rs 35000 crore being spent on up gradation of Srinagar-Jammu Highway. “The package would be in addition to the Rs 30000 crore annual plan assistance for the State”, he maintained.
Welcoming the package, Dr Singh said the economic package has components including humanitarian relief, disaster management, social infrastructure and developmental spending and is a historic one in the history of the State. This shows the liberal approach of the Centre towards the needs of the people of the State.
“Around Rs 60000 crore, have been earmarked for new infrastructure projects in the State sector, around Rs 7000 crore have been earmarked for ongoing projects and Rs 8000 crore have been earmarked for humanitarian relief including rehabilitation of the flood Victims”, the Deputy Chief Minister added.
Dr Singh while referring to the Prime Minister’s assertion that the announcement of today’s package is only a beginning and much more is going to come said that it is commendable and heartwarming gesture towards the people of Jammu and Kashmir.