NEW DELHI: The finance ministry has released first instalment of special assistance of Rs 1,093.34 crore for repair and permanent restoration of damaged public buildings in Jammu and Kashmir in pursuance of the announcement made by the Prime Minister last November.

A total sum of Rs 2,000 crore has been provided for permanent restoration of damaged Infrastructure such as schools, colleges, hospitals, bus stations and other critical public infrastructure under Prime Minister Reconstruction Plan for J&K, the finance ministry said in a statement.

The central government gave its approval on October 27 to one-time relaxation of Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) cost norms for restoration of damaged horticulture areas and development of horticulture in the state. A total sum of Rs 500 crore has been provided under this head as part of PM Reconstruction Plan for J&K. Earlier, as part of the package, special assistance of Rs 1,194.85 crore was released in 2015-16 towards assistance for completely or partially damaged houses and Rs 800 crore was released on April 26 for interest subvention on account of assistance for restoration of livelihood for traders / self-employed / business establishment, it said. The Prime Minister Reconstruction Plan for J&K was announced by Narendra Modi on November 7, 2015, for Rs 80,068 crore for post flood relief and restoration and long-term development of the state, including assistance for small trade and business, power, new and renewable energy.—PTI