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J&K gets Rs 8,000 crore rural push

  • Abid Bashir
  • Comments 0
  • 29 Apr 2026

Roads bring schools, hospitals closer: Union Min Chouhan Package will transform connectivity, boost economy: CM Omar

Srinagar, Apr 28: In a major boost to rural infrastructure and livelihoods in Jammu and Kashmir, Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday handed over the approval for projects under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY)-IV (Batch-II) worth nearly Rs 3,566 crore to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.

The Centre also announced a Mother Sanction of Rs 4,568.23 crore under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), aimed at strengthening women self-help groups across 24 States and Union Territories.

Addressing the gathering at SKICC Srinagar, Chouhan said J&K continues to remain a priority for the Centre, noting that road projects worth nearly Rs 8,000 crore approved within a year mark a historic step in bridging developmental gaps. He said the aim goes beyond infrastructure creation, focusing on connecting remote habitations with opportunities, services and markets.

“Roads are not just about connectivity, they are about bringing schools, hospitals and livelihoods closer to people,” Chouhan said, adding that the Centre will continue to support the region with further approvals as work progresses.

Highlighting women’s empowerment, the Union Minister said the NRLM support will strengthen grassroots entrepreneurship. He reiterated that the vision is to create not just “Lakhpati Didis” but confident and self-reliant rural women leaders. Several beneficiaries were felicitated during the programme.

On agriculture, Chouhan acknowledged the unique challenges faced by farmers in Jammu and Kashmir, including small landholdings and difficult terrain. He announced that a team of scientists from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research will visit the region to assess its agricultural potential and prepare a comprehensive roadmap.

The Union Minister further stressed the need for integrated farming practices, encouraging diversification into allied sectors such as animal husbandry, fisheries and beekeeping to enhance farmers’ income.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, while welcoming the Union Minister, described the approval as a significant milestone for the region’s development. He said the government will ensure the swift and effective implementation of all sanctioned projects.

“The scale of this approval is extraordinary. Given our terrain and scattered population, improved road connectivity has the power to transform lives,” he said.

The Chief Minister noted that earlier phases of PMGSY have already connected remote areas to essential services and that the latest phase will further strengthen rural access and economic activity. 

Reaffirming his government’s commitment, Abdullah said the government led by him will work with full seriousness to ensure that the benefits reach rural communities, farmers, and women associated with self-help groups, translating policy support into visible change on the ground.

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