The amount is meant for around 4.5 lakh state government employees of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, and currently serving the union territory since its inception.
In his written response to a query on the issue of development in the union territory, the minister further stated, "after the creation of the two UTs on October 31, 2019, a total of Rs 14,559.25 crore as the balance share of 14th Finance Commission grants, share of taxes etc. that were being given to the erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir, has been apportioned amongst the two new UTs."
Pointing out that the people of these regions were deprived of full rights bestowed by the Constitution due to article 35A, he informed that they now stand to benefit.
Under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme, the Government has approved establishment of eight medical colleges in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh regions. These medical colleges, which are under various stages of implementation, will come up in the districts of Doda, Kathua, Baramulla, Anantnag, Rajouri, Udhampur, Handwara (Dist. Kupwara) in the UT of Jammu and Kashmir and the district of Leh in the UT of Ladakh.
The Government has also approved the creation of two AIIMS like institutions in Jammu and Srinagar, the Minister informed.
( With inputs from IANS )