 Early Times Report
NEW DELHI, Mar 13: Senior leader of Bharatiya Janata Party and Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha Nominated) Gulam Ali Khatana on Friday raised serious concerns in the Rajya Sabha regarding alleged irregularities in road construction under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) in Jammu and Kashmir. Raising the matter during Zero Hour, Khatana highlighted the deteriorating condition of several rural roads constructed under the flagship scheme and urged the Government of India to conduct a comprehensive audit and quality inspection.
He said that PMGSY was launched with the objective of providing all-weather road connectivity to rural habitations across the country, including Jammu & Kashmir. According to information shared in Parliament in February 2026, Jammu & Kashmir has received Rs 10,155 crore in central assistance under PMGSY over the past ten years to strengthen rural road connectivity.
However, Khatana alleged that many of the roads constructed under the scheme have developed potholes, cracks and surface damage within a short period after construction, raising serious concerns about the quality of work and monitoring mechanisms. He also pointed out that several roads lack proper signboards, grading standards, and timely repair mechanisms, with maintenance often remaining only on paper.
The MP further claimed that since Omar Abdullah assumed office as Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir in October 2024, the administration has allegedly shown favouritism and a "pick-and-choose" approach in the execution of road infrastructure projects.
According to Khatana, development works are being concentrated in areas considered political strongholds of the ruling party, while tribal regions and remote habitations remain neglected, leading to a widening developmental gap in the Union Territory.
He also raised concerns about what he described as an emerging nexus between politicians, contractors and engineers, alleging that contractors with questionable track records are repeatedly being awarded road construction projects, resulting in delays, poor quality work and cost overruns borne by the public exchequer.
Khatana emphasized that during the tenure of the administration led by the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, development initiatives were undertaken across regions without discrimination.
Khatana stressed that ensuring durable rural road connectivity is essential for the economic development, accessibility and livelihood opportunities of people living in remote and mountainous regions of Jammu & Kashmir. |
