Thursday, April 7 2005 16:18 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Srinagar: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today (Apr 7, 2005) announced a number of schemes for all-around development of Jammu and Kashmir, including plans for employment generation, electrification of villages and incentives for industries.

Flagging off the maiden run of the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad Bus Service at a function in Srinagar, Singh said as many as 14,000 women would get employment in 6800 'Anganwadis' sanctioned by the Government.

The setting up of five Indian Reserve Battalions in the State police would provide jobs to about 5000 youth and 20-40 per cent jobs in CISF, CRPF and Border Guards would be filled by youth from Jammu and Kashmir and a few other areas.

"For youth living in urban areas, Golden Jubilee Urban Employment Scheme is being started. A provision of Rs 12 crore has been made for this," the economist-turned-politician Prime Minister said.

Singh said plan expenditure for Jammu and Kashmir for 2005-06 has been put at Rs 4200 crore, of which 90 per cent would come from the Centre.

"We will provide electricity to every village in the next four to five years," the Prime Minister said and referring to the Baglihar Project, he informed that Rs 330 crore have been set aside for its completion.

Besides, work is progressing on hydel projects in other places like Kishanganga and Uri, he said.

Tourism, hydel electricity generation and small-scale industries are being encouraged for the economic upliftment and employment generation.

Dal, Mansar and Wular lakes would be cleaned, while a Rs 1900 crore loan has been taken from ADB for improving the sewage system in the cities, he said.

Government is working on development of "all regions of Jammu and Kashmir and funds are being earmarked for development of Ladakh and Kargil."

With four lakh tourists visiting Jammu and Kashmir last year, Rs 16 crore have been earmarked for attracting more tourists, the Prime Minister said.