New Delhi, Mar 11 (NVI): Omar Abdullah on Wednesday reviewed plans for the expansion and modernisation of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) House properties across the country and stressed that the upcoming infrastructure should reflect the Union Territory’s rich cultural heritage and identity.
During a review meeting attended by Resident Commissioner J&K Ramesh Kumar and senior officials of the Resident Commission and concerned departments, the Chief Minister assessed ongoing projects, budgetary requirements and future development plans aimed at strengthening J&K’s institutional presence outside the Union Territory.
Officials informed the meeting that the government is planning to establish new JK Houses in Dwarka in the national capital and at Kharghar in Navi Mumbai, while also undertaking the revamp and modernisation of existing government properties in several states and Union Territories.
The Chief Minister directed officers to ensure that new constructions and renovation of existing JK House facilities incorporate architectural elements reflecting Jammu and Kashmir’s distinct cultural legacy along with modern infrastructure.
“These government properties should showcase the heritage and identity of Jammu and Kashmir while serving as functional facilities for officials, students, patients and visitors from the Union Territory,” he said.
The meeting reviewed the status of J&K government properties located in Dwarka and 5, Prithviraj Road in New Delhi, Chandigarh, Amritsar and Mumbai, and also discussed proposals for expansion and modernisation of accommodation and administrative facilities.
Officials informed that steps have been initiated to establish a new JK House in Dwarka, New Delhi, to augment accommodation and administrative infrastructure for officials and visitors from Jammu and Kashmir.
Similarly, the government is pursuing the development of a JK House at Kharghar in Navi Mumbai to strengthen J&K’s presence in the country’s financial capital.
Regarding the Navi Mumbai project, officers said that a Detailed Project Report (DPR) worth ₹29.56 crore has been submitted to the administrative department along with a capital expenditure proposal of around ₹30 crore for construction of the facility.
While reviewing the proposal for a JK House in Amritsar, the Chief Minister asked officials to take up the issue of land consolidation with the Punjab government, noting that the presently available land parcels are scattered and may not be suitable for developing a functional government facility.
He directed the officers to request the Punjab government to allot a single consolidated plot so that a properly planned JK House can be developed in Amritsar.
The meeting also discussed the possibility of assigning construction and renovation works to government agencies such as the National Buildings Construction Corporation (NBCC) and the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) to ensure efficient execution of the projects.
The Chief Minister also advised officers to study similar facilities established by other states and Union Territories across the country and adopt best practices in infrastructure development and service delivery.
Earlier, Resident Commissioner Ramesh Kumar gave a detailed presentation on the status of various properties managed by the Resident Commission, including offices, staff quarters, guest houses and VIP accommodation facilities.
He also highlighted proposals for upgradation of VIP rooms into suites at the Chanakyapuri JK House Complex, redevelopment of the Rajaji Marg property in New Delhi and extension of guest house facilities at 5, Prithviraj Road.
The meeting also reviewed the condition of other J&K government properties under the Resident Commission in cities including Chandigarh, Amritsar, Malabar Hill in Mumbai and Sirsa in Haryana. — (NVI)
