Srinagar, Oct 11 (KNS): Jammu and Kashmir would require an estimated investment of Rs 1.44 lakh crore over five years to address persistent gaps in economic development, public services and environmental protection, according to a new study that has outlined the scale of resources needed to tackle the Union Territory's structural challenges.

The assessment by the Rajiv Gandhi Institute for Contemporary Studies (RGICS), released on October 6, estimates a total investment requirement of Rs 1,43,849 crore, with the largest share earmarked for enterprise development, followed by social development and environmental restoration.

According to the study, titled “A New Vision for J&K and a New Strategy for Realising that Vision”, Rs 94,764 crore has been proposed for enterprise development, Rs 29,953 crore for social development and Rs 19,131 crore for nature regeneration.

The proposed investment translates into an average annual requirement of approximately Rs 28,770 crore over five years, highlighting the scale of financial resources envisaged under the independent research framework.

Enterprise development accounts for approximately 65.9 per cent of the proposed investment, while social development constitutes 20.8 per cent and environmental restoration 13.3 per cent.

The findings raise questions about the capacity to mobilise investment on such a scale and translate it into measurable improvements in public services, economic activity and environmental sustainability.

The report identifies deficiencies in education, healthcare and nutrition among the major social challenges facing Jammu and Kashmir, alongside pressure on forests, water resources and other natural assets.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

It points to weaknesses in foundational learning, widespread anaemia and the vulnerability of communities dependent on natural resources as areas requiring sustained policy attention.

Under its proposed framework, the institute has estimated Rs 29,953 crore for social development interventions aimed at improving outcomes in education, healthcare and related sectors.

Another Rs 19,131 crore has been proposed for environmental restoration, including measures to protect water resources, regenerate degraded landscapes and strengthen ecological resilience.

The report places these requirements within a broader assessment of Jammu and Kashmir's development challenges, arguing that economic expansion must be accompanied by improvements in essential services and protection of natural resources.

However, the Rs 1.44 lakh crore figure is an investment estimate prepared by the research institute and does not represent an approved government allocation, an officially assessed funding deficit or expenditure already committed by any agency.

The study also does not establish how much of the proposed requirement could be met through existing budgetary provisions or private investment.

Its projections would therefore depend on the availability of financing, institutional capacity and the implementation of the proposed interventions.

The assessment brings into focus the scale of investment envisaged for addressing Jammu and Kashmir's development challenges, while leaving the central question of financing and execution unresolved. (KNS)