Jammu, April 6: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo chaired a high-level meeting to review the implementation strategy for the Urban Challenge Fund (UCF) in Jammu & Kashmir, emphasizing timely identification of impactful and bankable urban projects.
The Housing & Urban Development Department presented a roadmap highlighting a transformative financing model, where central assistance will cover 25% of project costs, while at least 50% will be mobilized through market sources like bonds, loans, and public-private partnerships.
Stressing the scheme’s potential to upgrade urban infrastructure, Dulloo directed departments to shortlist at least a dozen viable projects across key sectors such as mobility, parking, housing, and urban beautification in the twin cities.
Officials from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs outlined the fund’s structure and implementation framework, noting its wide coverage of urban local bodies, especially Tier-II and Tier-III cities.
Additional Chief Secretary Shailendra Kumar emphasized focusing on financially viable projects, while Amitava Chatterjee of J&K Bank assured support in facilitating market-based financing.
Commissioner Secretary Mandeep Kaur highlighted that the ₹1 lakh crore fund aims to drive sustainable urban development, with major allocations for infrastructure, capacity building, and credit guarantees.
The initiative, set to roll out from FY 2026, will focus on growth hubs, city redevelopment, and water and sanitation, with MoUs expected to be signed soon to formally launch the programme.
