PM Modi to Directly Oversee 15 Key Projects in Jammu & Kashmir
PM Modi will directly monitor 15 high-priority projects worth ₹1.13 lakh crore in J&K, accelerating development.
Photo by Isa
Key Facts
PM to monitor 15 projects in J&K
Total project value: ₹1.13 lakh crore
Announcement date: January 5, 2026
10 projects underway, 5 in planning/tendering stage
UPSC Exam Angles
GS Paper 2: Indian Constitution (Article 370, 35A, J&K Reorganisation Act), Governance (Project implementation, Centre-State relations, Role of PMO, UT administration), Federalism.
GS Paper 3: Indian Economy (Regional development, Infrastructure, Investment, Employment generation), Challenges to growth and development.
Current Affairs: Recent developments in J&K, government initiatives for regional development.
Visual Insights
PM's Oversight in J&K: Project Focus Areas
This map illustrates the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir, the focal point for 15 high-priority development projects directly monitored by the Prime Minister's Office. The highlighted region signifies the central government's intensified focus on integrated development and infrastructure enhancement post-Article 370 abrogation.
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J&K Development Projects: Key Figures (Jan 2026)
A snapshot of the scale and current status of the high-priority development projects in Jammu & Kashmir under direct monitoring by the Prime Minister's Office, as announced in January 2026.
- Total Projects Under PM Oversight
- 15
- Total Project Value
- ₹1.13 lakh crore
- Projects Underway
- 10
- Projects in Planning/Tendering
- 5
Indicates the focused approach on critical projects in J&K.
Highlights the significant financial commitment towards J&K's development.
Shows the active implementation phase of a majority of the projects.
Indicates future development pipeline and ongoing preparatory work.
More Information
Background
The special status of Jammu & Kashmir, primarily enshrined in Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, originated from the unique circumstances of its accession to India in 1947. Maharaja Hari Singh, the then ruler, signed the Instrument of Accession with India, ceding control over defence, external affairs, and communications. Article 370, incorporated in 1949, was intended as a temporary provision, granting J&K autonomy over all matters except these three.
It allowed the state to have its own constitution and restricted the applicability of Indian parliamentary laws unless ratified by the state assembly. Article 35A, added through a Presidential Order in 1954 under Article 370, further empowered the J&K legislature to define "permanent residents" and grant them special rights and privileges, particularly concerning land ownership and employment. This constitutional framework created a distinct legal and political identity for J&K within the Indian Union, leading to debates over its integration and developmental trajectory for decades.
Latest Developments
Since the abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35A in August 2019, and the subsequent reorganisation of the state into the Union Territories of J&K and Ladakh, the region has witnessed a concerted push towards accelerated development and integration. The central government has launched numerous initiatives, including the Prime Minister's Development Package (PMDP) 2015, which was further intensified post-2019. There has been a significant focus on attracting private investment through new industrial policies, promoting tourism, and enhancing connectivity projects like the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link.
The delimitation exercise for assembly constituencies in J&K was completed in 2022, paving the way for potential assembly elections. Efforts are also underway to improve governance, strengthen local self-governance institutions, and address the region's long-standing issues of unemployment and underdevelopment. The direct oversight of key projects by the PMO is a continuation of this intensified focus, aiming to overcome administrative hurdles and ensure timely delivery of benefits.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the special status of Jammu & Kashmir and recent developments: 1. Article 370 of the Indian Constitution was originally incorporated as a temporary provision. 2. The recent initiative of PMO directly overseeing projects in J&K is the first instance of central government's direct intervention in the region's development post-2019. 3. The Jammu & Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, converted the erstwhile state into two Union Territories, with J&K having a legislative assembly. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.1 and 3 only
- C.2 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statement 1 is correct. Article 370 was indeed incorporated as a temporary provision in the Indian Constitution. Statement 2 is incorrect. The central government has been directly intervening and focusing on J&K's development since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 through various schemes and initiatives. The current PMO oversight is an intensification, not the first instance of intervention. Statement 3 is correct. The J&K Reorganisation Act, 2019, bifurcated the erstwhile state into the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir (with a legislative assembly) and the Union Territory of Ladakh (without a legislative assembly). Therefore, statements 1 and 3 are correct.
2. In the context of the Prime Minister's direct oversight of development projects in Jammu & Kashmir, which of the following is the most likely intended outcome?
- A.To bypass the elected legislative assembly of J&K and centralize decision-making.
- B.To ensure accelerated project completion by cutting bureaucratic delays and enhancing accountability.
- C.To primarily focus on security-related infrastructure rather than socio-economic development.
- D.To transfer the financial burden of these projects entirely to the Union Territory administration.
Show Answer
Answer: B
The news summary explicitly states that direct monitoring by the PMO is expected to "cut through bureaucratic delays and ensure accountability" and "significantly expedite project completion." While other options might be secondary effects or misinterpretations, option B directly aligns with the stated goals of such high-level oversight.
3. Match List-I with List-II: List-I (Constitutional Provision/Act) List-II (Associated Feature/Event) A. Article 370 1. Defined "permanent residents" of J&K B. Article 35A 2. Instrument of Accession C. J&K Reorganisation Act, 2019 3. Temporary provision for J&K D. Maharaja Hari Singh 4. Creation of Union Territories of J&K and Ladakh Select the correct code:
- A.A-3, B-1, C-4, D-2
- B.A-1, B-3, C-4, D-2
- C.A-3, B-4, C-1, D-2
- D.A-2, B-1, C-4, D-3
Show Answer
Answer: A
A. Article 370: Was a temporary provision for J&K (3). B. Article 35A: Empowered J&K legislature to define "permanent residents" (1). C. J&K Reorganisation Act, 2019: Led to the creation of Union Territories of J&K and Ladakh (4). D. Maharaja Hari Singh: Signed the Instrument of Accession (2). Thus, the correct match is A-3, B-1, C-4, D-2.
4. Which of the following statements is NOT correct regarding the governance structure of the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir post-2019?
- A.It has a legislative assembly with powers to make laws on subjects in the State List, excluding public order and police.
- B.The Lieutenant Governor acts as the representative of the President of India and holds significant executive powers.
- C.The Union Territory of Ladakh also has a legislative assembly similar to J&K.
- D.The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh serves as the common High Court for both Union Territories.
Show Answer
Answer: C
Statement A is correct. The J&K Reorganisation Act, 2019, provides for a legislative assembly for the UT of J&K with powers over subjects in the State List, except public order and police, which fall under the purview of the Lieutenant Governor. Statement B is correct. The Lieutenant Governor (LG) of a Union Territory acts as the administrator appointed by the President and exercises executive functions. Statement C is incorrect. The Union Territory of Ladakh was created without a legislative assembly. It is directly administered by the central government through the Lieutenant Governor. Statement D is correct. The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh serves as the common High Court for both UTs. Therefore, statement C is NOT correct.
5. Direct monitoring of large-scale development projects by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), as seen in the context of Jammu & Kashmir, primarily aims to achieve which of the following? 1. Enhance inter-ministerial coordination and synergy. 2. Bypass state-level administrative structures to expedite implementation. 3. Signal strong political commitment and instill confidence among stakeholders. 4. Centralize all financial approvals for project expenditure. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- A.1, 2 and 3 only
- B.1 and 3 only
- C.2 and 4 only
- D.1, 3 and 4 only
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statement 1 is correct. Direct PMO oversight often leads to better coordination among various central and local ministries/departments involved in large projects. Statement 2 is generally incorrect as a primary aim. While it aims to cut bureaucratic delays, the goal is not to 'bypass' state-level structures entirely, but to make them more efficient and accountable. 'Bypassing' implies undermining, which is not the stated intent. Statement 3 is correct. High-level monitoring by the PMO sends a strong signal of political will and commitment, which can boost confidence among investors, local population, and implementing agencies. Statement 4 is incorrect as a primary aim. While PMO oversight might influence financial approvals, its primary goal is not to centralize *all* financial approvals, which typically follow established procedures within ministries and departments. Therefore, 1 and 3 are the most accurate primary aims.
Source Articles
35% of issues in big projects due to land acquisition; no plan to change law: Cabinet Secretary Somanathan | Business News - The Indian Express
Explained: Gujarat govt’s control centre to monitor educational projects | Explained News - The Indian Express
Railways to deploy drones to monitor projects | India News - The Indian Express
Latest News on Infrastructure Development Projects: Get Infrastructure Development Projects News Updates along with Photos, Videos and Latest News Headlines | The Indian Express
Latest News Today: Breaking News and Top Headlines from India, Entertainment, Business, Politics and Sports | The Indian Express