Srinagar, Apr 28: Rural infrastructure, women’s empowerment, and agriculture-led prosperity in Jammu & Kashmir received a major boost today as the Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, handed over the sanction letter for projects approved under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY)-IV (Batch-II) for Jammu & Kashmir to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, at a programme held at SKICC, Srinagar.
On the occasion, a Mother Sanction of over ₹4,568.23 crore was also released under DAY-NRLM for 24 States and Union Territories. The program was attended by Chief Minister Shri Omar Abdullah, Deputy Chief Minister Shri Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Jammu & Kashmir’s Minister for Agriculture, Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Cooperation and Elections Shri Javed Ahmad Dar, Leader of Opposition Shri Sunil Kumar Sharma, Members of Parliament, several MLAs, Secretary, Ministry of Rural Development Shri Rohit Kansal, senior officials of the Jammu & Kashmir Government, and a large number of rural people, farmers, and women beneficiaries.
Addressing the people, Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan stated that he had come to Jammu & Kashmir not with any sense of formality or position, but with a spirit of service. He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri 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 ₹8,000 crore for Jammu & Kashmir within a single year is a historic achievement. He assured that as construction progresses on the sanctioned roads, the Central Government will continue to take positive decisions on the remaining required routes. 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 ₹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, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Shri Omar Abdullah also felicitated Lakhpati Didis.
On agriculture and farmers’ issues, Shri 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.
Highlighting integrated farming as an effective model for enhancing farmers’ income, Shri Chouhan said that instead of relying solely on grains, fruits, or vegetables, farmers can significantly increase their earnings by integrating allied activities such as animal husbandry, fisheries, sheep and goat rearing, beekeeping, and other enterprises. 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.
In his address, Chief Minister Shri Omar Abdullah warmly welcomed Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, describing him as a true friend and well-wisher of Jammu & Kashmir. He said, “I wholeheartedly welcome Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan to Srinagar and express my gratitude. You have repeatedly demonstrated that you are a true friend and well-wisher of the people of Jammu & Kashmir. The affection you have earned as ‘Mama’ is well-deserved and suits you. We have accepted you with the same warmth and trust. You have spared no effort in strengthening our relationship. Your support and commitment towards the development of Jammu & Kashmir are truly commendable.”
Shri Omar Abdullah further stated that over the past one and a half years, Shri Chouhan has consistently shown sensitivity towards the needs of Jammu & Kashmir. Calling the ₹8,000 crore approval extraordinary, he said that such a large sanction in a single phase is significant, and the State Government will ensure speedy implementation on the ground.
The Chief Minister 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.
