Review of Administrative Governance, Socio-Economic Development and Security in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh

The Standing Committee on Home Affairs (Chair: Dr. Radha Mohan Das Agrawal) submitted its report on the “Review of Administrative Governance, Socio-Economic Development and Internal Security in the UT of Jammu & Kashmir; and Border Security Management and Preparedness in the UT of Ladakh” on August 7, 2026.  Key observations and recommendations of the Committee include:

Transport and connectivity: The Committee observed delays in completion of road projects.  It recommended completion of the ongoing railway projects within stipulated timelines and integrating geotechnical and structural health monitoring into railway operations.  It also recommended expediting the Srinagar Civil Enclave and examining the feasibility of an aviation facility at Katra.  It further recommended fast tracking certain critical road and tunnel projects.  

Agricultural insurance:  The Committee noted low coverage of farmers under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana.  The scheme provides crop insurance to farmers against natural calamities, pests and diseases.  It recommended: (i) increasing the scheme coverage, (ii) simplifying the enrolment process and (iii) strengthening credit support for small, marginal and tenant farmers, and farmer producer organisations.

Pilgrim safety: The Committee noted the need to adapt the disaster management framework at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine due to increasing pilgrim volume, changing weather and geological risks.  It recommended (i) using predictive risk assessment systems, (ii) enhancing the capacity of frontline personnel through regular training, and (iii) conducting frequent multi-agency mock drills.

Renewable energy infrastructure: The Committee observed that Jammu and Kashmir has achieved around 35% of its solarisation target, and its renewable energy installed capacity stands at 276 megawatts.  It recommended: (i) solarisation of government buildings, (ii) accelerating household rooftop solar under the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSG-MBY) and (iii) expanding clean energy access to remote and underserved areas.  PMSG-MBY provides financial subsidies to install rooftop solar panels. 

Drinking water infrastructure: The Committee noted that completion rate of physical works under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) was 46% in the Union Territory of J&K.  JJM aims to provide drinking water through individual tap connections to every rural household.  It also observed that there are pending payments to contractors worth Rs 1,360 crore.  It recommended: (i) timely release of scheme funds, (ii) resolution of pending contractor claims, and (iii) expediting the process of equipping rural households with functional tap connections.  

Mineral resources: The Committee observed that lithium, sapphire, limestone, graphite, lignite and marble have potential for promoting industrial development, attracting investment, and generating employment in Jammu & Kashmir.  It recommended: (i) expediting exploration through timely statutory and forest approvals, (ii) adoption of advanced exploration technologies, and (iii) promoting skill development for mineral based industries, and (iv) environmental safeguards for the local communities.

Healthcare: The Committee noted that availability of qualified doctors and specialists in remote border areas is critical for ensuring equitable healthcare.  It recommended: (i) accelerating recruitment in remote districts, (ii) strengthening the District Residency Programme, (iii) providing incentives for specialist doctors, and (iv) expansion of telemedicine and tele-radiology networks.

Education: The Committee noted that the secondary school dropout rate in Jammu and Kashmir is around 13% for 2024-25 and the Gross Enrolment Ratio declined from 114 at the primary level to 54 at the higher-secondary level.  It recommended: (i) interventions to reduce secondary-school dropouts, (ii) data-driven teacher deployment, particularly in rural and border schools, and (iii) vocational education aligned with sectors such as tourism and agriculture.

Rehabilitation of migrants: The Committee observed that despite 6,510 migrant families initially expressing willingness to return, only three families have permanently resettled in the Kashmir Valley.  It recommended: (i) assessing the security and social concerns, (ii) reviewing the rehabilitation package, and (iii) filling the 125 vacant posts reserved for displaced migrant families.