Srinagar, Apr 28: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah warmly welcomed Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and described him as a true friend and well-wisher of J&K.
Speaking at the programme of handing over of sanction letter for projects approved under the Pradhan Mantri Gram SadakYojana (PMGSY)-IV (Batch-II) for Jammu and Kashmir, at Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar, CM Omar said, “I wholeheartedly welcome 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 J&K.
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.”
He said that over the past year and a half, Chouhan had consistently shown sensitivity towards the needs of Jammu and Kashmir. Calling the Rs 8000 crore approval extraordinary, the CM said that such a large sanction in a single phase is significant, and the state government would ensure speedy implementation on the ground.
He said that given J&K’s geographical terrain, scattered population, and challenges of hilly regions, road connectivity was transformative.
CM Omar said that earlier phases of PMGSY had 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 woukd work with full seriousness in implementing the approved projects, utilising 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.
