SRINAGAR: The Housing and Urban Development Department (H&UDD) has designated the Jammu and Kashmir Architects Organisation as the nodal technical body for architectural consultancy and design services in public infrastructure projects across the Union Territory.
According to an official order issued by the department, the decision has been taken in continuation of Government Order No. 58-JK(HUD) of 2026 and follows a resolution approved by the Council of Ministers as part of broader reforms aimed at streamlining infrastructure development and strengthening institutional mechanisms.
Under the new framework, all government departments, public sector undertakings (PSUs) and executing agencies have been directed to utilise the architectural, design and master-planning expertise of the Jammu and Kashmir Architects Organisation for public projects.
The organisation has been designated as the Nodal Technical Body for providing architectural consultancy, comprehensive design services and technical vetting of projects.
The order further stipulates that in cases where engagement of a private architectural firm is considered necessary, the concerned agency must obtain a prior No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Jammu and Kashmir Architects Organisation before proceeding.
To support and regularise the provision of technical services, the government has also approved a uniform consultancy fee of one per cent of the total project cost for works where architectural consultancy and related services are provided by the organisation.
Officials said the directive is aimed at ensuring greater standardisation in project planning and execution, promoting sustainable and region-specific architectural practices, improving resource utilisation and strengthening institutional efficiency in public infrastructure development.
The move is expected to bring greater technical oversight to government-funded and public sector projects while ensuring adherence to standardised design norms and planning guidelines across Jammu and Kashmir.
