The Housing and Urban Development Department (H&UDD) of Jammu and Kashmir has issued a new directive to standardize the operations and project involvement of the Jammu and Kashmir Architects Organization. This move aims to strengthen architectural oversight for all public sector initiatives across the Union Territory.
Background and Approval
The order follows Government Order No. 58-JK(HUD) of 2026 and a decisive resolution passed by the Council of Ministers. The government approved a restructuring and reorganization framework, making the use of the organization's specialized services mandatory for public projects.
Key Highlights of the Directive
- All government departments, public sector undertakings, and executing agencies must now utilize the architectural, design, and master-planning expertise of the Jammu and Kashmir Architects Organization for public projects.
- The organization has been designated as the Nodal Technical Body for providing architectural consultancy, comprehensive design, and technical vetting services.
- If engagement of private architectural firms is deemed necessary, obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the organization is strictly mandatory.
- A uniform consultancy fee of 1% of the total project cost will be levied for works where architectural and consultancy services are provided by the organization.
Expected Benefits
The directive is expected to optimize state resource allocation, ensure adherence to standardized regional and sustainable architectural guidelines, and foster institutional efficiency across all upcoming public works and urban development initiatives in Jammu and Kashmir.
Officials stated that this comprehensive approach will bring uniformity and quality control to infrastructure projects, promoting sustainable development in the region.
