Centre releases over ₹150 Crore NHM funds for J&K Health Institutions, ASHA incentives

Srinagar: The National Health Mission (NHM), Jammu and Kashmir has sanctioned and released grants-in-aid amounting to ₹150.84 crore under the Flexible Pool for Reproductive and Child Health (RCH), Health System Strengthening, National Health Programme and Urban Health Mission for the financial year 2026-27.According to an official order issued by the Mission Director, NHM J&K, the funds have been released through the BEAMS via SNA-SPARSH platform for payment of salaries of NHM and outsourced staff, stipends for DNB candidates and incentives to ASHA workers across Jammu and Kashmir.

The order states that the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India sanctioned the funds under the State Programme Implementation Plan (PIP) for J&K, following which the amount was released in favour of various implementing agencies and District Health Societies.Among the major beneficiaries, the Directorate of Health Services Kashmir received over ₹65.49 crore, while the Directorate of Health Services Jammu was allocated around ₹46.29 crore. Government Medical College Jammu and Government Medical College Srinagar were sanctioned over ₹21.10 crore and ₹1.98 crore respectively.

District-wise allocations include Anantnag with over ₹9.90 crore, Baramulla ₹10.91 crore, Budgam ₹11.47 crore, Jammu ₹17.50 crore, Kupwara ₹12.75 crore, Pulwama ₹7.60 crore, Srinagar ₹9.27 crore and Udhampur ₹6.60 crore, among others.The NHM has directed all Drawing and Disbursing Officers (DDOs) to utilize the funds strictly for the sanctioned purposes and in accordance with General Financial Rules (GFR) 2017 and other applicable guidelines issued by the Government of India and J&K Health & Medical Education Department.

The order further specifies that no diversion of funds shall be made without prior approval of the State Health Society and all implementing agencies must maintain proper financial records and ensure transparency in expenditure.Authorities have also instructed healthcare institutions to prominently display the NHM logo on all infrastructure and equipment supported under the scheme and submit monthly financial monitoring and implementation reports regularly.