Mufti for Kashmir's special category status under CSS

J&K CM Mufti Mohammad Sayeed on Monday asked the Centre to continue to treat his state as a special category state under Centrally-Sponsored Schemes (CSSs).

"With NITI <g data-gr-id="15">Ayog</g> revising funding norms under Central schemes, I will continue to insist upon 90:10 dispensation with Central government for overcoming huge locational disadvantage, coupled with difficult security scenario that the State has countenanced over the past 25 years," Sayeed said.

He was speaking after inaugurating a three-day Public Information Campaign (PIC), organised by PIB, on generating awareness about Centrally-Sponsored Schemes. Sayeed directed the administrative machinery to ensure that benefits of all social sector schemes percolate down to the people at the grassroots level.

Calling upon Central Government to forge a better match between schemes and needs of the states, the Chief Minister said he has presented his viewpoint of continuing funding to J&K and North East states as per present norms to the <g data-gr-id="18">Sub Group</g> of 10 Chief Ministers formed in NITI Ayog for rationalisation of Centrally-Sponsored Schemes.

"We cannot ignore the role of Central Schemes like PMGSY and NRHM in ushering in an era of rapid development of the State, in particular its remote and far-flung areas," he said.