SRINAGAR: Union Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced on Tuesday that all five lakh families in Jammu and Kashmir living in temporary ‘kuchha’ houses will receive permanent ‘pucca’ houses following a physical verification process.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi has entrusted me with the responsibility of providing permanent housing to the underprivileged under the PM Awas Yojna. A recent survey in Jammu and Kashmir indicated that five lakh families are without stable housing. I assure you, after validation, no one will remain in ‘kuchha’ houses here,” Chouhan stated during an event.
The minister additionally introduced 330 new road projects spanning 1,600 km, with an investment of Rs 3,550 crore under Batch-II of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY). These infrastructure developments will benefit 363 remote habitations across Jammu and Kashmir.
He emphasized that Prime Minister Modi prioritizes the development of Jammu and Kashmir, vowing that the government will spare no effort in this endeavor.
“I come with the Prime Minister’s message of growth and goodwill. The doors of Delhi and our hearts are wide open for the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he added.
The Union minister affirmed the Center’s commitment to advancing development in Jammu and Kashmir.
“Under the PM’s guidance, we are striving to make Jammu and Kashmir a developed region. While government development is essential, the Modi government is giving special attention to J-K’s challenges, especially concerning road infrastructure. Jammu and Kashmir was the first to receive road project approvals under PMGSY-IV, batch I and is also the first to receive approval in batch II,” he elaborated.
Regarding women’s self-help groups, Chouhan mentioned that Rs 4,000 crore would be allocated to promote self-reliance among women.
“There are two lakh Lakhpati Didis in Jammu and Kashmir. The Prime Minister has set a national target of six crore. We aspire for a nation where no one remains in poverty,” he stated.
The minister concluded by mentioning that the government is launching new schemes aimed at enhancing farmers’ incomes.
