JK forms committee to monitor work on projects

Srinagar, Aug 27: In view of delays, a high-level committee has been framed to monitor the schemes and projects on a monthly basis in the Industries and Commerce Department. Several projects in the department have been awaiting completion for years, while New Delhi has reprimanded the state several times for the delays. The government has now framed the committee to oversee implementation of the projects and schemes in the department. The committee will be headed by Administrative Secretary Industries and Commerce, while its Director, Director Planning, and Assistant Director are its members. The committee has been asked to also suggest remedial measures for removal of impediments in execution of the projects. A source in the department said the government constituted the committee as New Delhi has been unhappy over delay in the projects. “The completion of projects and recently approved JK Trade and Export Policy is to transform the state from being supply-constrained to a competitive export-led entity,” the official said. “The industrial sector did not see much progress over the years due to non-completion of projects.” The government recently approved the first-ever trade and export policy. “The policy reflects the dynamics of Jammu and Kashmir as an agrarian economy in transition towards a market driven one. It is only possible when there is proper implementation of the policy and completion of projects,” the official said. “There are various projects that have to be executed under the policy and the committee has to ensure their timely completion,” the official added.