The attempt by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to portray the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme as a “death trap” for Jammu & Kashmir is factually incorrect, economically flawed, and politically misleading.
SASCI is a flagship initiative of the Government of India that provides 50-year interest-free loans to States and Union Territories exclusively for capital expenditure. The scheme was designed to strengthen infrastructure creation and support economic recovery. It has since become one of India’s largest public-investment drivers.
Official Ministry of Finance Data (Year-wise Releases)
According to the Ministry of Finance, SASCI allocations have increased steadily:
- 2020–21: ₹11,830 crore
- 2021–22: ₹14,186 crore
- 2022–23: ₹81,195 crore
- 2023–24: ₹1,09,554 crore
- 2024–25: ₹1,49,484 crore
- 2025–26 (BE): ₹1,50,000 crore
This consistent rise reflects the Centre’s confidence in SASCI as a sustainable and growth-oriented fiscal instrument. Cumulatively, assistance under the scheme has already reached several lakh crores nationwide.
Proven Impact Across States & UTs
States across India have used SASCI effectively:
- Uttar Pradesh has utilised it for major roads, bridges, and industrial infrastructure.
- Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Rajasthan invested in rural connectivity, irrigation networks, and public health facilities.
- Tamil Nadu and Gujarat channelled funds into urban infrastructure, logistics, and industrial ecosystems, boosting employment.
- North-Eastern States used SASCI for connectivity in remote and border regions—challenges similar to those faced by J&K.
- Urban Local Bodies benefited through SASCI-linked incentives for water supply, sewerage, waste management, and housing.
These investments created durable public assets, enhanced service delivery, and stimulated economic activity—all without any interest burden.
How SASCI Benefits the Youth of Jammu & Kashmir
For the youth of J&K, SASCI is not an abstract financial term—it directly supports opportunity and mobility:
- Employment: Roads, tunnels, tourism facilities, housing, and urban infrastructure generate jobs for engineers, skilled workers, technicians, and local labour.
- Tourism Growth: Improved tourism infrastructure expands opportunities in hospitality, transport, handicrafts, and local entrepreneurship.
- Start-ups & Skills: Better infrastructure invites private investment, supporting MSMEs, start-ups and skill-based enterprises led by young people.
- Connectivity: Improved roads, digital infrastructure, and mobility expand access to education, healthcare, and markets, especially in rural and border belts.
- Reduced Migration: Stable local opportunities discourage distress migration and allow youth to build livelihoods within J&K.
SASCI, therefore, strengthens the economic environment in which youth can find employment, set up businesses, and secure stable futures.
Why SASCI Matters for Jammu & Kashmir
J&K faces unique challenges—difficult terrain, infrastructure gaps, border sensitivities, and high youth unemployment. SASCI provides the fiscal room to invest in long-term growth assets while spreading repayment over 50 years at zero interest. This makes it far safer and more sustainable than market borrowing.
Condemnation of Shri Waheed Parra (MLA Pulwama) and PDP’s Misrepresentation
Calling a nationally successful, development-focused scheme a “death trap” is irresponsible and misleading. It reflects political desperation rather than economic understanding, and it injects unnecessary fear into public discourse.
Constructive criticism is healthy for democracy, but distorting facts and indulging in fear-mongering is not. The people of Jammu & Kashmir—especially its youth—deserve honesty, clarity, and development-oriented debate.
SASCI has delivered results across India.
For Jammu & Kashmir, it represents growth, opportunity, and long-term stability—not a trap.
Adv Neelofer Masood is a politician from Baramulla, J&K. She is associated with Jammu and Kashmir National Conference.