Srinagar, April 28: Jammu and Kashmir received a major push in rural infrastructure and livelihood development on Monday, with Union Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan handing over approval for road projects worth ₹3,566 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY-IV), while also announcing a ₹4,568 crore “Mother Sanction” for women’s self-help groups across the country.
The announcement was made at a programme held at Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre, where the approval letter was formally handed to Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. The total road approvals for the Union Territory under PMGSY-IV are estimated at nearly ₹8,000 crore within a year, which officials described as a significant boost to rural connectivity.
In his address, Chouhan said the Centre’s focus was not just on building roads but on “connecting hearts,” asserting that both “Dil ke dwar” and “Dilli ke dwar” are open for Jammu and Kashmir. He emphasized that the Centre has prioritised the Union Territory in successive phases of PMGSY-IV, reflecting its strategic importance in the national development agenda.
The minister underlined that improved road connectivity would bring schools, healthcare, markets, and employment opportunities closer to remote habitations. “The goal is to connect every village and settlement to the mainstream of development,” he said.
Women’s empowerment push
Alongside infrastructure development, the government released over ₹4,568.23 crore under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) for women’s self-help groups across 24 states and Union Territories. Chouhan said the initiative aims to transform women beneficiaries into entrepreneurs, going beyond the “Lakhpati Didi” model.
During the event, women achievers were felicitated, highlighting the programme’s focus on strengthening grassroots economic participation.
Agriculture roadmap for J&K
Addressing agricultural challenges in the region, the Union Minister announced that a team from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research will be deputed to Jammu and Kashmir to prepare a comprehensive, region-specific agricultural roadmap. The plan will assess climate, soil, and water resources and promote scientific farming practices.
Chouhan advocated integrated farming models—combining crops with allied sectors such as livestock, fisheries, and beekeeping—to enhance farmer incomes and build resilience in the region’s agriculture sector.
CM promises fast-track implementation
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah welcomed the announcements, describing the ₹8,000 crore road approval as “historic” and assuring that the projects would be implemented on a fast-track basis. He noted that connectivity remains critical for a geographically challenging region like Jammu and Kashmir, where scattered populations and difficult terrain often hinder access to essential services.
Abdullah said previous phases of PMGSY had already transformed rural accessibility, and the latest phase would help connect remaining habitations. He added that the government would ensure effective utilisation of central funds to deliver tangible improvements in the lives of rural communities, farmers, and women beneficiaries.
The event was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Minister Javed Ahmad Dar, Leader of Opposition Sunil Kumar Sharma, Members of Parliament, MLAs, and senior officials.
Officials said the combined push on roads, rural livelihoods, and agriculture signals a broader strategy to drive inclusive development and economic transformation in Jammu and Kashmir.
