Mega rural package for J&K announced by Agriculture Minister Chouhan; roads, livelihoods get fresh sanctions

Rural connectivity and women-led development in Jammu & Kashmir received a major push today as Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan handed over PMGSY-IV project sanction letters to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in Srinagar, alongside the release of Rs.4568.23 crore under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY-NRLM) scheme for 24 States and Union Territories.

Chouhan stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Government of India is committed not only to building roads but also to connecting hearts, adding that for the development of Jammu & Kashmir, ‘the doors of both the heart and Delhi are open’. He highlighted that Jammu & Kashmir was accorded priority in the first phase of PMGSY-IV approvals and has again been prioritized in the second phase, reflecting the Centre’s strong commitment to the region.

Chouhan noted that the approval of road projects worth nearly Rs.8,000 crore for Jammu & Kashmir within a single year is a historic achievement. He emphasized that the objective is not merely road construction but connecting every village, habitation, and remote settlement to the mainstream of development, as roads bring schools, hospitals, markets, and opportunities closer to people.

Focusing on women’s empowerment, the Union Minister stated that a Mother Sanction exceeding Rs.4,568.23 crore has been released under DAY-NRLM for women Self-Help Groups across 24 States and Union Territories. Addressing the women of Jammu & Kashmir, he said the goal is not limited to creating ‘Lakhpati Didis’ but to transform them into stronger and more empowered entrepreneurs. During the programme, Chouhan and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also felicitated Lakhpati Didis.

On agriculture and farmers’ issues, Chouhan specifically referred to the challenges of small landholdings, difficult terrain, and weather-related risks in Jammu & Kashmir. He said the Central Government stands firmly with the region through the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme and will undertake concrete measures such as promoting clean planting material of improved varieties, establishing high-quality nurseries, and advancing scientific crop diversification.

He announced that a team of scientists from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research will be deputed to Jammu & Kashmir to study its climate, soil, water resources, and agricultural potential, and to prepare a comprehensive roadmap.

He added that the Central Government will work closely with the Jammu & Kashmir Government to design an integrated programme that makes agriculture more profitable, sustainable, and employment-oriented.

Chief Minister Shri Omar Abdullah warmly welcomed Chouhan and said “You have repeatedly demonstrated that you are a true friend and well-wisher of the people of Jammu & Kashmir”. “Your support and commitment towards the development of Jammu & Kashmir are truly commendable”.

Omar emphasized that given Jammu & Kashmir’s geographical terrain, scattered population, and challenges of hilly regions, road connectivity is transformative. He noted that earlier phases of PMGSY have already connected remote areas to schools, hospitals, markets, and essential services, and Phase-IV is crucial to link the remaining habitations. He assured that the State Government will work with full seriousness in implementing the approved projects, utilizing central assistance and shared contributions effectively, to bring tangible improvements in the lives of rural communities, farmers, horticulturists, and women associated with Self-Help Groups.

The program was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Jammu & Kashmir’s Minister for Agriculture, Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Cooperation and Elections Javed Ahmad Dar, Leader of Opposition Sunil Kumar Sharma, Members of Parliament, several MLAs, Secretary, Ministry of Rural Development Rohit Kansal, senior officials of the Jammu & Kashmir Government, and a large number of rural people, farmers, and women beneficiaries.