SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has notified the J&K Electric Vehicle Policy-2026, following its approval by the Council of Ministers chaired by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, setting a six-year roadmap for expanding clean, affordable and weather-resilient electric mobility across Jammu and Kashmir.

The policy, covering the period 2026–32, aims to accelerate EV adoption, strengthen charging infrastructure and create an enabling ecosystem for electric mobility across all 20 districts of J&K. It targets 1.40 lakh electric vehicles by 2032, supported by demand incentives, climate-specific infrastructure, power-grid integration, public-private partnerships, skill development and employment generation.

Under the strategic infrastructure roadmap, the policy envisages establishment of 900 public charging sites, including 140 fast-charging hubs across urban grids and highway corridors. It also provides for EV-ready parking, with building bye-laws mandating EV-readiness for 20 per cent of parking capacity.

Recognising J&K’s distinct climatic conditions, the policy introduces a Specialized Winter Validation Protocol under which EVs will undergo winter-performance validation, particularly for operation in snow and sub-zero conditions. The framework also seeks managed integration of EV charging demand with the power system.

To encourage adoption, the policy provides for 3–5 per cent interest subvention on EV loans for up to 36 months, with higher support aimed at reducing the cost of EV ownership for eligible beneficiaries. It also provides for scrappage-linked incentives, with an annual budgetary provision of ₹50 crore to incentivise replacement of old vehicles with cleaner electric vehicles.

The policy further provides early-adopter top-up incentives for the first 15,800 eligible adopters. The incentives include ₹15 lakh for the first 300 e-buses, ₹1 lakh for the first 1,500 personal cars and ₹5,000 for the first 10,000 two-wheelers, subject to the eligibility and conditions prescribed under the policy.

The policy also envisages phase-wise electrification of fleets, expansion of charging networks, greater private-sector participation and development of skilled manpower to support the emerging EV ecosystem.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah congratulated Transport Minister Satish Sharma and the Transport Department on the notification of the J&K Electric Vehicle Policy-2026. The Chief Minister said the policy provides a structured framework for advancing clean transport while taking into account the specific terrain and cold-weather conditions of Jammu and Kashmir.

The notification marks the formal implementation of the Omar Abdullah led Government’s six-year strategy for transitioning towards cleaner mobility, strengthening supporting infrastructure and creating new opportunities in the electric mobility sector.

In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here