JAMMU — The Jammu and Kashmir government on Tuesday announced the launch of a ‘Viksit Village’ project aimed at holistic development of rural areas across all Assembly constituencies, with a dedicated allocation proposed under the 2026–27 capital expenditure budget.
Winding up the discussion on grants to his department, Agriculture Minister Javed Ahmed Dar said one model village would be developed in every constituency.
“I am happy to announce that in this budget we are introducing a Viksit Village project fund, which will be given to all MLAs. One ‘Viksit Village’ will be developed in every constituency,” Dar said.
He said the project aligns with the model village framework and aims to establish villages equipped with modern infrastructure, quality education facilities, healthcare services and sustainable livelihood opportunities to ensure holistic upliftment of rural communities.
The minister said the initiative builds on the earlier model village concept of the previous government, under which each constituency had received a model village fund through the concerned MLA, with additional components added over time.
Announcing the proposal during the budget presentation of the Rural Development Department, Dar said a dedicated financial allocation has been made for setting up one model village in each constituency.
He said an outlay of Rs 1,800 lakh has been proposed under the Urban Development capex for 2026–27 for the flagship initiative, of which Rs 90 crore has been earmarked under the community development programme, while Rs 38.50 crore will be routed through the infrastructure of Block Development Councils and District Development Councils.
Dar said development of each model village is expected to involve an expenditure of around Rs 2 crore, adding that MLAs have been advised to identify suitable villages in their constituencies and implement works based on plans prepared at the gram panchayat level.
The minister said the initiative is expected to strengthen rural infrastructure and improve access to essential services across Jammu and Kashmir. — (PTI)