Srinagar, Apr 28 : Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday handed over the approval letter for road projects worth ₹3,566 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY)-IV (Batch-II) for Jammu and Kashmir to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at a function here.
The programme was held at Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre and was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, minister Javed Ahmad Dar, Leader of Opposition Sunil Kumar Sharma, MPs, MLAs and senior officials.
Addressing the gathering, Chouhan said the Centre was committed to strengthening rural infrastructure and ensuring connectivity to all habitations in Jammu and Kashmir. He said the government was working not only to build roads but also to improve access to services and opportunities in remote areas.
He said road projects worth nearly ₹8,000 crore have been approved for the Union Territory within a year, describing it as a major step towards accelerating development. “The objective is to connect every village and habitation, as roads bring schools, hospitals and markets closer to people,” he said.
Chouhan also announced a mother sanction of over ₹4,568 crore under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission for women self-help groups across 24 states and Union Territories. He said the focus was on strengthening livelihoods and promoting women-led enterprises.
On agriculture, the minister said the Centre will support Jammu and Kashmir through scientific interventions, improved planting material and crop diversification. He added that a team from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research will study local conditions and prepare a roadmap to enhance farm productivity.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah welcomed the approval and said the government will ensure timely implementation of the projects. He said road connectivity remains critical for the region given its terrain and dispersed population.
Abdullah said previous phases of PMGSY have helped connect remote areas to essential services, and the new phase will focus on linking remaining habitations.
He added that the administration will work to ensure effective utilisation of funds to benefit rural communities, farmers and women associated with self-help groups.
Officials said the projects are expected to improve connectivity and support economic activity in rural areas across Jammu and Kashmir.(KNS).
