NEW DELHI: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday reviewed plans to establish new J&K Houses in Dwarka in the national capital and Mumbai, and to revamp existing government properties across several states and Union Territories to strengthen Jammu and Kashmir’s presence nationwide.
The review meeting was attended by Resident Commissioner J&K Ramesh Kumar and senior officers of the Resident Commission and concerned departments.
Officials presented updates on ongoing projects, budgetary requirements and future development plans aimed at strengthening institutional infrastructure outside Jammu and Kashmir.
While reviewing the progress of multiple infrastructure projects being handled by the J&K Resident Commission, the Chief Minister stressed that all upcoming and renovated J&K House properties must showcase the rich cultural heritage and distinctive identity of Jammu and Kashmir.
“Ensure that new constructions and the restructuring of existing properties carry a local touch of Jammu and Kashmir’s rich cultural legacy so that these government assets reflect a unique blend of heritage and modern functionality,” the Chief Minister said.
The meeting reviewed the status of J&K government properties in Dwarka and 5, Prithviraj Road in New Delhi, Chandigarh, Amritsar and Mumbai, and also discussed proposals for expansion and modernisation of facilities meant for officials, students, patients and visitors from Jammu and Kashmir.
Officials informed the meeting that the government has initiated steps to establish a new J&K House in Dwarka, New Delhi, to augment accommodation and administrative infrastructure for J&K officials and visitors. Similarly, the government is pursuing the development of a J&K House at Kharghar in Navi Mumbai to enhance J&K’s presence in the country’s financial capital.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister emphasised that these government properties should serve as symbols of pride for Jammu and Kashmir and showcase its cultural richness and architectural identity.
“These institutions must make J&K proud of its properties and stand as dignified representations in different regions of the country,” he said, directing officers to ensure quality infrastructure and timely completion of projects.
While reviewing the proposed J&K House in Amritsar, the Chief Minister asked the concerned authorities to take up the issue of land consolidation with the Punjab government. He said the currently available land parcels are scattered and may not serve the intended purpose of building a functional government facility.
The Chief Minister instructed officers to request the Punjab government to allot a single consolidated plot so that a properly planned J&K House can be developed in Amritsar.
Regarding the Navi Mumbai project, officials informed the Chief Minister that a Detailed Project Report (DPR) worth Rs 29.56 crore has been submitted to the administrative department, along with a capital expenditure proposal of about Rs 30 crore for construction of the facility.
The meeting also discussed the possibility of entrusting the execution of the project to government-owned agencies in Maharashtra to ensure smooth and hassle-free construction.
The Chief Minister advised officers to study similar government properties established by other states and Union Territories across the country so that best practices in infrastructure development, architecture and service delivery can be incorporated into the upcoming J&K facilities.
“Benchmark these projects with the best state guest houses and institutional facilities across the country so that Jammu and Kashmir develops world-class infrastructure for its residents visiting these cities,” he said.
He stressed that efforts should be made to complete these projects within the shortest possible timeframe so that new facilities for officers, students, patients and other visitors from J&K are made available at the earliest.
The meeting also deliberated on allotting construction and renovation works to agencies such as the National Buildings Construction Corporation (NBCC) and the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) for efficient execution of the projects.
Earlier, Resident Commissioner Ramesh Kumar gave a comprehensive presentation to the Chief Minister on the status of various government properties managed by the Resident Commission, including offices, staff quarters, guest houses and VIP accommodation facilities.
He highlighted several development proposals, including the upgradation of VIP rooms into suites at the Chanakyapuri J&K 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 properties under the Resident Commission’s management in cities such as Chandigarh, Amritsar, Malabar Hill in Mumbai and Sirsa in Haryana.
