Srinagar, Mar 27 (KNO): The Jammu and Kashmir Government on Friday said that 14 villages in Budgam district have been declared as tourist villages under Mission Youth based on their tourism potential and infrastructural requirements.
Replying to a question in the Legislative Assembly tabled by MLA Chadoora Ali Mohammad Dar, the government, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said that the villages were selected on the recommendations of the concerned Deputy Commissioner and assessed on key parameters including tourism potential 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,” it said.
The identified villages include Khag, Sitharan, Beerwah, Ratsun, Makhama, Hardpanzoo, Raiyar (Khansahib), Poshkar, Pakharpora, Kachwari, Nilnag, Kawosa-Kanihama, Branwar and Wathora Zoogu Arizal.
The government said that under the scheme, youth groups aged 18–35 years in these villages are being provided financial assistance for self-employment, including support of up to Rs 10 lakh per group.
It said the assistance includes a loan component under Mudra along with upfront subsidy and additional EMI subsidy support over four years.
“Besides financial aid, support is also provided in the form of DPR preparation, skill development training, marketing assistance and handholding during project execution,” it said.
The government, however, clarified that no proposal is currently under consideration for declaring additional villages as Tourist Villages in Budgam or elsewhere in Jammu and Kashmir—(KNO)