NEW DELHI: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) J&K President and Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) Sat Sharma raised the issue of the progress and outcomes of the Jammu Smart City Mission in the Rajya Sabha through an unstarred question, seeking details from the Union Government regarding the status of projects, funds utilized, and the future roadmap of the initiative.

Responding to the question, the Minister of State in the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Tokhan Sahu submitted the written reply in the House that under the flagship Smart Cities Mission launched by the Government led by Narendra Modi, Jammu has witnessed significant transformation in urban infrastructure and civic amenities.

The reply from the Minister stated that Jammu Smart City has received the entire central financial assistance of ₹489 crore, which constitutes 100 percent of the total central share allocated for the city. Out of this amount, ₹455 crore has already been utilized, reflecting 93 percent utilization of the funds released by the Government of India.

Providing further details, the Government informed that out of the 127 projects sanctioned under the Jammu Smart City Mission, 125 projects—about 98 percent—have already been successfully completed, while the remaining two projects are currently under implementation. This progress reflects the effective execution of development initiatives aimed at modernizing Jammu’s urban infrastructure and enhancing public services.

The Ministry also informed that after the formal closure of the Smart Cities Mission on March 31, 2025, an advisory was issued to ensure timely completion of the remaining projects and submission of utilization certificates for the funds released by the Government of India by March 2026. The advisory further directs the concerned authorities to prepare operation and maintenance plans for the assets created under the mission.

The Government has also outlined a future roadmap under which the Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) created for Smart Cities will continue to play a strategic role in addressing emerging urban challenges. Integrated Command and Control Centres (ICCCs) established under the mission will function as city operating systems and analytical hubs, supporting improved urban governance and service delivery.

Sat Sharma further reaffirmed his commitment to highlighting the developmental aspirations of Jammu and Kashmir at the national level and ensuring that the benefits of major flagship programmes of the Modi Government reach the people of the region. He insisted that the prompt response in Parliament also reflects the significant strides made in transforming Jammu’s urban landscape through sustained investment and focused governance under the Smart Cities Mission.

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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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