By KNO on 08/02/2020.

‘Plan entails free medical camps, tours for students, setting up resource centres for research activities’

Srinagar, Feb 08: The Government of India has allocated Rs 23 crore for Ministry of Home Affairs “civic action and media plan” for the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir.

Documents in possession of wire service—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) reveal that Rs 23.75 crore have been kept for J&K’s “civic action and media plan” in the Union Budget of 2020-21.

Under the plan, the paramilitary forces and J&K police organize civic action programs to win the hearts and minds of local population.

The activities undertaken by the forces include holding of sports and cultural events, medical camps, veterinary camps and vocational training programmes etc.

Other activities taken up under the civic action and media plan include tours for students, setting of resource centers of SEWA non- governmental organisation for vocational training and research activities by Indian Council for Social Science Research (ICSSR).

As per the documents, the intent of Bharat Darshan and Watan Ko Jano tours is to give exposure to the youth of J&K about cultural and socio-economic development taking place in other parts of India.

The civic action programme for J&K was started by MHA in 2013-14. Under the programme, the forces are required to submit a detailed plan of proposed activities to be taken by them.

The Union Home Secretary approves activities for which funds are to be utilized under the plan on recommendations of a committee.

The committee comprises joint secretary Kashmir, MHA, Director MHA, DGP of concerned paramilitary forces or officer not below the rank of IGP authorized by him and a representative of J&K DGP