Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today addressed the launch event of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY)-IV, Batch-II at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC), marking a significant step towards strengthening rural connectivity and infrastructure across Jammu and Kashmir.
The programme was formally launched by Union Minister for Rural Development, Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
In presence of massive gathering at SKICC, Unions Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan handed over the PMGSY-IV (Batch II) package worth ?3,566 crore to the Chief Minister.
The package will connect 363 habitations through 330 roads, covering approximately 1,600 Kms, significantly boosting last-mile connectivity and promoting inclusive development
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister extended a warm welcome to the Union Minister and expressed gratitude for the approval of the projects, describing him as a true friend and well-wisher of Jammu and Kashmir.
He emphasized that while the projects have been sanctioned by the Union Government, the Jammu and Kashmir administration will ensure swift, efficient, and high-quality execution of these works within stipulated timelines.
“I assure that work on this package will commence shortly and express my gratitude to the Hon’ble Minister for his continued support towards strengthening rural connectivity in J&K,” he said.
Reaffirming the Government’s commitment, he said that the benefits of flagship schemes will be delivered to genuine beneficiaries on the ground in a time-bound manner.
Highlighting the transformative impact of road connectivity, the Chief Minister observed that roads are the lifeline of the people, significantly improving access to essential services such as healthcare, education, and employment. He noted that many residents in rural areas previously had to travel long distances due to lack of proper connectivity.
Reiterating the Government’s focus on rural development, he assured that no effort will be spared to connect every remaining village and habitation across Jammu and Kashmir.
The Chief Minister also highlighted key welfare measures for the farming community, including crop insurance schemes aimed at mitigating losses caused by natural calamities.
He further underlined the role of the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) in empowering women through Self Help Groups (SHGs), describing it as a vital pillar of inclusive growth.
Expressing optimism, the Chief Minister said he envisions “Lakhpati Didis” progressing to “Crorepati Didis” through sustained support, capacity building, and expanded economic opportunities under NRLM initiatives.
Reiterating the broader vision, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah emphasized the Government’s commitment to building a “prosperous and developed Jammu and Kashmir (Viksit Jammu Kashmir)” in alignment with the national goal of “Viksit Bharat,” ensuring inclusive growth and prosperity for all.
In his address, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that he has come to Kashmir with message of peace and development and recalled his several visits to J&K in recent past. He said that he chose Srinagar for this important event to hand over first sanction letter of PMGSY-IV (Batch-II) package amounting to Rs 3566 crore to J&K and with this package, his ministry has released Rs 7790 crore of funds in one year. On the occasion, the Union Minister also released mother sanction of Rs 4568 crore under the National Rural Livelihood Mission scheme for whole of India including Rs 40.90 crore for J&K. The Union Minister who is also the Minister of Agriculture, Government of India, announced that Clean Plant Programme shall be introduced shortly to provide disease free and indigenously produced nursery plants for farmers in J&K. He also called upon farmers to adopt multi-crop integrated farming for which his ministry shall provide all the necessary support.
The event was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary; Minister for Rural Development, Javaid Ahmad Dar; Members of Parliament Choudhary Mohammad Ramzan, Ghulam Ali Khatana, Gurwinder Singh Oberoi, and Sat Sharma; Leader of Opposition Sunil Kumar Sharma, several Members of the Legislative Assembly; Union Secretary to the Government of India, Rural Development Department, Rohit Kansal; Additional Chief Secretary, R&B, Anil Kumar Singh; Secretary, RDD, Mohammad Aijaz; senior officers of Government of India, officers of Rural Development and R&B Departments J&K, and other officials.
