Lok Sabha passes JK Appropriation Bill,2022

New Delhi: Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday said the unemployment rate has come down in Jammu and Kashmir. Quoting Centre for Monitoring  Indian Economy (CMIE) she added that in 2016 it was 20 per cent and by late February this year it was 13.2 per cent. Speaking in the Lok Sabha, the minister said this country cannot have two symbols, two Prime Ministers and Constitutions, when there is a Constitution which all respect. 

She asserted that With the removal of Article 370, discriminatory laws were removed from the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. 

Mrs Sitharaman said that the budget 2022-23 for Jammu and Kashmir is more than one lakh crore rupees mark again, which is an indicator of government commitment to make J&K a model of development. She said, this is an inclusive budget and all the sectors will get focussed attention. The Government of J&K shall endeavour to double the farmer’s income. 

The investment proposal under new industrial policy shall be cleared on fast track basis. She said, the power generation capacity is being doubled in next three years.  The Minister said, Tourism sector has huge potential in J&K. In this regard 75 off beat destinations have been identified across J&K and shall be



developed with proper infrastructure and requisite facilities for tourists.

She further added that improving road connectivity is high on agenda. Government is moving fast in its ambition for providing road to every village. National Highway project between Jammu and Srinagar is being completed on fast track basis which will reduce travel time to five hours. 

She said, execution of Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway is being taken up and it will take only six hours to reach Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine from Delhi with the completion of this project. The Minister said, every household will be provided tapped water connection under Jal Jeevan Mission by August this year. She said, providing employment to youth in J&K is our prime concern and it shall get focused attention during this year.

Later, the House passed the Appropriation No.2 and No. 3 Bills, 2022, The Jammu and Kashmir Appropriation Bill, 2022 and The Jammu and Kashmir Appropriation (No.2) Bill, 2022  Ms. Sitharaman earlier in today’s session presented a 1.42-lakh-crore budget for Jammu and Kashmir for the year 2022-23. She also moved a motion seeking to suspend certain rules to allow the House to take up the discussion and debates on the issue on the same day.