Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan Sanctions Rs 3,566 Cr Road Projects for Jammu & Kashmir Under PMGSY-IV

Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan handed over the sanction letter for road projects worth Rs 3,566 crore approved under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY)-IV (Batch-II) for Jammu and Kashmir to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at a programme held at SKICC, Srinagar. A Mother Sanction of over Rs 4,568.23 crore was also released under DAY-NRLM for women Self-Help Groups across 24 states and union territories. Lakhpati Didis were felicitated at the event by both leaders.

Chouhan stated that the approval of road projects worth nearly Rs 8,000 crore for Jammu and Kashmir within a single year is a historic achievement, with the latest Rs 3,566 crore sanction forming a significant part of this push. He noted that Jammu and Kashmir was accorded priority in the first phase of PMGSY-IV approvals and has again been prioritised in the second phase, reflecting the Centre's strong commitment to the region. He assured that as construction progresses, the Central Government will continue taking positive decisions on remaining required routes.

The Minister emphasised that the objective goes beyond road construction, aiming to connect every village, habitation, and remote settlement to the mainstream of development, as roads bring schools, hospitals, markets, and opportunities closer to people. On women's empowerment, he stated that the goal is not limited to creating Lakhpati Didis but to transform them into stronger and more empowered entrepreneurs.

On agriculture, Chouhan acknowledged the challenges of small landholdings, difficult terrain, and weather-related risks in Jammu and Kashmir. He announced that a team of scientists from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research will be deputed to the region to study its climate, soil, water resources, and agricultural potential and prepare a comprehensive roadmap. The Central Government will also promote clean planting material, high-quality nurseries, and scientific crop diversification. He highlighted integrated farming, combining animal husbandry, fisheries, sheep and goat rearing, and beekeeping, as an effective model for enhancing farmers' income.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah welcomed the sanction, calling the approval extraordinary and assuring speedy implementation on the ground. He noted that earlier phases of PMGSY have already connected remote areas to essential services, and Phase-IV is crucial to link the remaining habitations. He assured that the state government will work with full seriousness in utilising central assistance to bring tangible improvements to rural communities, farmers, horticulturists, and women associated with Self-Help Groups.