Nationwide SIR Phase 2 to Begin Tuesday, Covering 12 States & UTs
The central government’s flagship Socio-Economic and Infrastructure Revival (SIR) initiative will launch its second phase on Tuesday, expanding to 12 states and union territories, including Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal. This phase aims to accelerate infrastructure projects, boost rural employment, and drive economic recovery.
What is the SIR Initiative?
Launched earlier this year, the SIR program targets critical gaps in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and employment. Phase 1 covered eight states, focusing on road connectivity and healthcare upgrades. Phase 2 will extend to 12 new regions, prioritizing:
– Agricultural modernization (AI farming, cold storage)
– Urban mobility (metro expansions, smart cities)
– Skill development (500+ new ITIs)
– Healthcare expansion (mobile medical units, hospital upgrades)
List of States & UTs in Phase 2
- Kerala – Flood-resilient infrastructure, coastal development
- Tamil Nadu – Industrial corridor expansion, IT hubs
- West Bengal – Rural electrification, MSME support
- Puducherry – Tourism, port upgrades
- Jharkhand – Mining reforms, tribal welfare
- Odisha – Disaster management, irrigation
- Assam – Act East Policy connectivity
- Chhattisgarh – Forest-based livelihoods
- Himachal Pradesh – Eco-tourism, renewable energy
- Uttarakhand – Pilgrimage circuit development
- Goa – Sustainable tourism, waste management
- Andaman & Nicobar – Maritime security, fisheries
Key Focus Areas & Funding
- ₹12,500 crore allocated, with additional PPP investments
- 2.5 lakh direct jobs expected
- Deadline: March 2025
Political Reactions & Challenges
- Opposition concerns: West Bengal and Kerala leaders cite delayed Phase 1 funds.
- DMK (Tamil Nadu) demands greater state autonomy in execution.
- Key hurdles: Environmental clearances, monsoon preparedness, inter-state coordination.
What’s Next?
- Phase 3 (2025-26) will cover northeastern states and J&K.
- Independent monitors to track progress for transparency.
Bottom Line
SIR Phase 2 could be a game-changer for inclusive growth, but success depends on efficient execution and Centre-state cooperation.
Stay updated with The New Indian Express for real-time SIR coverage.
