Finance Minister Arun Jaitley speaking in the Lok Sabha. (File Photo)
The Centre has promised in Parliament that it will implement all the projects announced as part of the special package to Jammu and Kashmir on priority, and at a fast pace. The statement came after ally PDP's demand for an assurance towards the development of the state.
"Prime Minister has announced a special package for J&K. We want that the three regions of the J&K are developed very fast," Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said in a reply to the debate on Budget in the Lok Sabha.
"In the last 2-3 years we have sanctioned projects in different regions. Whatever projects we have announced, we would like those projects to be implemented fast. Whatever commitment we have made, we stand by them," he said.
The statement assumes significance as PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti has refused to make any move to form government without an assurance by the Modi government with regard to addressing the development goals of the state.
Mehbooba Mufti had said last month that before taking a call on continuing the alliance, she wants to "reassess" whether the Narendra Modi government would take substantive steps within a 'set time-frame' to address the "core" political and economic issues of the state.
Since then Ms Mufti has not made any move to form the government, the state continues to be under Governor's Rule since January 8.
With regard to commitment made to other states, Mr Jaitley said "whatever promises have been made with regard to Bihar, we will fulfill every commitment."
On Andhra Pradesh, he said the government gave an additional Rs 4,500 crore than what was committed to the state last year.