SRINAGAR: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, today chaired a high-level meeting to review the progress on Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI), SNA SPARSH and various revenue augmentation initiatives in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir. The meeting was attended by concerned Administrative Secretaries and senior officers of the Finance Department.

During the meeting, the Chief Secretary underscored the potential of the SASCI scheme, an interest-free loan facility being extended to all the States and Union Territories over and above their normal borrowing limits,  setting an ambitious target of securing around Rs 2,000 crore for J&K under the scheme. It was informed that 27 departments have already submitted their project proposals, which have been duly uploaded by the Finance Department.

The meeting also deliberated on key sectoral reforms in Transport, Mining, Urban Planning and modernization of land records, aimed at boosting the infrastructure and governance efficiency. Taking stock of the Aadhaar-based payments being made to the beneficiaries of various government schemes, the Chief Secretary emphasized the need to achieve full saturation across all beneficiary-oriented programmes. He directed the departments to seek guidance from the central ministries, particularly in cases where benefits are provided in kind rather than cash.

Principal Secretary, Finance Department, Santosh D Vaidya, informed the meeting that Aadhaar penetration in J&K has seen a remarkable rise from just over 50% to 97%, with most of the schemes already achieving 100% coverage.

The Chief Secretary also reviewed the UT’s revenue performance, including collections from power and water utility provisioning, GST revenue, motor spirit tax, stamp duty and other tax and non-tax sources. Stressing the importance of plugging revenue leakages, he called for strict checks on input tax credit theft, improved e-way bill compliance and enhanced enforcement mechanisms.

He directed the Power Development Department (PDD) to accelerate the installation of smart meters and improve billing efficiency to maximize revenue realization. The Chief Secretary reiterated the administration’s commitment towards leveraging the financial assistance schemes effectively while ensuring robust revenue generation mechanisms to support the UT’s development priorities.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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