Jammu and Kashmir State Draft Second Five Year Plan (1956-57 to 1960-61) Part III (Programme for 1956-57)

Abstract

The Draft Second Five-Year Plan (1956–61) for Jammu and Kashmir outlines a comprehensive strategy aimed at accelerating socio-economic development across multiple sectors including agriculture, industry, infrastructure, education, health, and tourism. Building upon the progress achieved during the First Five-Year Plan, the document emphasizes agricultural development as a primary driver of economic growth, with significant investments in irrigation projects such as gravity canals, lift irrigation systems, and flood control measures designed to enhance agricultural productivity and ensure water security. Complementary initiatives in animal husbandry, fisheries, and cooperative development aim to strengthen rural livelihoods and promote sustainable agricultural practices. The plan also highlights industrial development through support for small-scale industries, modernization of traditional sectors such as handloom and wool production, and the promotion of forest-based industries to utilize local natural resources effectively. Infrastructure development forms a central component of the plan, particularly through extensive investments in road construction, road metalling, surfacing, and widening projects intended to improve connectivity across difficult terrains and facilitate trade and mobility between rural and urban areas. Major bridge construction projects, including steel bridges across the Chenab River, further reinforce the focus on strengthening transport networks and overcoming geographical barriers. In addition to transportation improvements, the plan prioritizes education and vocational training by establishing technical and agricultural institutions to enhance skills and employment opportunities. Healthcare and community services receive considerable attention through expanded medical facilities and water supply projects aimed at improving public health conditions. The development of tourism infrastructure, including hotels and related facilities, is also proposed as a means to harness the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage for economic growth. Overall, the plan represents a coordinated and multifaceted approach to regional development, combining investments in agriculture, infrastructure, industry, human capital, and tourism to improve living standards, stimulate economic activity, and create a sustainable foundation for long-term growth in Jammu and Kashmir.