Jammu, Mar 31: About 51 per cent of the villages, identified under union government’s flagship programme Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) in Jammu Kashmir remained unconnected even after 12 years since the launch of the programme in the state.
 As per the official figures, out of total 9933 villages in the state 4163 were identified as unconnected with the outer world.  At least 1426 unconnected villages identified under Core Network (CNW) planunder PMGSY Phase I to VI in the state were to be provided road connectivity under the programme. Given the slow pace of implementation of the scheme, only 49 percent of these villages have been covered under PMGSY up to ending January 2012.
 Sources said that out of total 5145 villages of Jammu region only 2523 villages are connected with the outer world. Erstwhile district Doda is least benefited by the scheme as only 26 percent villages have been provided road connectivity, 36 percent connectivity in districts Udhampur, Reasi, 43 percent in district Kathua, 49 percent in district Poonch, 53 percent in district Rajouri, and 73 percent in districts Jammu and Samba.
 State Government informed the Upper House during current Budget Session that 1346 schemes at an estimated cost of Rs 3580 crores have been sanctioned up to Phase VII under PMGSY for connecting 2010 habitations of the State. Upto ending February this year, 522 schemes at a cost of Rs 1486.99 crores have been completed. 588 schemes under PMGSY phase-VIII at an estimated cost of Rs. 1452.52 crores had been submitted to government of India and formal approval is expected shortly.
 It is pertinent to mention here that the PMGSY was started in Jammu Kashmir in 2000 with the aim to develop a massive road network to connect all small habitations with the nearest urban centers. PMGSY is centrally sponsored scheme with cent percent financial assistance but executed by the state agencies.

Lastupdate on : Sat, 31 Mar 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sat, 31 Mar 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sun, 1 Apr 2012 00:00:00 IST