Srinagar, Mar 27 — The Jammu and Kashmir Government on Friday informed the Legislative Assembly that 14 villages in Budgam district have been designated as tourist villages under the Mission Youth programme, citing their tourism potential and infrastructure requirements.
Replying to a question tabled by MLA Chadoora Ali Mohammad Dar, the government said the selection was made on the recommendations of the concerned Deputy Commissioner and evaluated on parameters such as tourism prospects and infrastructure gaps.
“The recommendations are further evaluated by an inter-sectoral expert committee comprising representatives from the Tourism Department and other stakeholders to ensure coordinated and comprehensive development,” the government said.
The villages identified under the initiative include Khag, Sitharan, Beerwah, Ratsun, Makhama, Hardpanzoo, Raiyar (Khansahib), Poshkar, Pakharpora, Kachwari, Nilnag, Kawosa-Kanihama, Branwar and Wathora Zoogu Arizal.
The government said youth groups aged 18–35 years in these areas are being provided financial assistance for self-employment, with support of up to Rs 10 lakh per group.
“The assistance includes a loan component under Mudra along with upfront subsidy and additional EMI subsidy support over four years,” it said.
“Besides financial aid, support is also provided in the form of DPR preparation, skill development training, marketing assistance and handholding during project execution,” the government added.
It clarified that no proposal is currently under consideration to declare additional villages as tourist villages in Budgam or elsewhere in Jammu and Kashmir.