Maiden gas pipeline for J&K announced

In the Union Budget 2021-22, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the maiden gas pipeline project for the Union Territory (UT) of Jammu and Kashmir. Noting the “crucial nature” of the energy sector in people’s lives, Sitharaman said she was announcing a gas pipeline project in the UT of J&K, to be taken up this year. The minister also announced setting up of a central university in Leh district of Union Territory of Ladakh for accessible higher education.4th Indian Cement Review Conference 202117-18 March Click for event infoMake in Steel 202124 February Click for event info The Centre has allocated Rs 30,757 crore budget for the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, while Ladakh has been allocated Rs 5,958 crore in the Union Budget. Key announcements for the power infrastructure sector in the Union Budget 2021 included the extension of the Ujjwala Scheme to cover an additional one crore beneficiaries, the addition of 100 more districts in the coming three years to the city gas distribution network and setting up of an independent gas transport system operator. The budgetary allocations of both the UTs in the form of Central assistance are broadly meant to help them meet their internal resource gap. This will also have provisions for subsidy payment for operating helicopter services in the administrations’ effort to provide connectivity to remote areas. Also read: Common carrier gas pipelines to get independent operator Image source