Srinagar, Sep 20: In a glaring instance of regional discrimination in allocation of funds, the state’s Tourism Department has allocated more than Rs 8 crore, out of a total plan outlay of about Rs 23 crore to the concerned minister’s home district.
Quoting reliable official sources, local news gathering agency KNS reported that out of the total projectized state plan outlay of Rs 22.57 crore for year 2012-13 for Kashmir division, the department has allocated Rs 8.20 crore to Leh district alone, leaving an amount of Rs 13.26 crore for rest of the 12 districts of the valley.
Surprisingly, Kargil district has been allocated a meager amount of Rs 25 lakh only in the state plan approved vide government order No 421-Tsm of 2012 dated 14/09/2012.
An amount of about Rs 1.2 crore has been spared for common schemes, which according to the sources, is utilized on various activities during the annual Amarnath Yatra. Pertinently, the tourism plan, recently approved by the state cabinet, has been devised by the state government for the financial year 2012-13, which involves construction, renovation and creation of tourist infrastructure at tourist destinations apart from conservation of heritage sites across the state.
Meanwhile, Director Tourism Talat Parvez told KNS that the plan is not based on regional considerations. “It is funding for different projects in the state,” he said adding that the state plan has been devised for such projects where the centre does not provide support.

Lastupdate on : Thu, 20 Sep 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Thu, 20 Sep 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Fri, 21 Sep 2012 00:00:00 IST