(a) whether the Government proposes to sanction a grant of Rs. 215 crore for completion of the ongoing judicial infrastructural projects in the State of Jammu and Kashmir;
(b) if so, the details and the present status thereof;
(c) whether the Government has devised any plan for the manner in which the said funds will be utilised; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF LAW AND JUSTICE
(SHRI D. V. SADANANDA GOWDA)
(a) to (d) : Request for one time grant of Rs. 215 crore for development of infrastructure for old and newly established courts has been received from Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir.
The primary responsibility for development of judicial infrastructure for district and subordinate courts falls within the domain of the State Governments. To augment the resources of the State Governments in this regard a Centrally Sponsored Scheme for Development of Infrastructure Facilities for Judiciary is being implemented. Central assistance is being provided subject to budgetary allocation made for the scheme.
The matter has been examined in terms of the guidelines of the scheme. At the time of the revision of the scheme in 2011, a requirement of Rs. 185.24 crore was projected for development of judicial infrastructure in the State of Jammu & Kashmir for a time span of five years (2011-2016). As per the sharing pattern of 75:25, central assistance to the tune of Rs. 138.93 crore needed to be made to the State of Jammu & Kashmir. Out of this, an amount of Rs. 104.64 crore has already been sanctioned to the State Government of which Rs. 34.29 crore was sanctioned in 2014-15. It has been noticed that utilization certificate for Rs. 16.23 crore is due from the State Government for the funds released upto 2013-2014. The State Government has been requested to furnish requisite utilization certificate and other necessary details in this regard.