union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Centre is committed not just to building roads but to connecting hearts, asserting that for Jammu & Kashmir’s development, “the doors of both heart and Delhi are open.”
He was addressing a gathering at SKICC in Srinagar after handing over the sanction letter for projects approved under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY)-IV (Batch-II) for Jammu & Kashmir to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
The initiative is expected to significantly strengthen rural infrastructure, enhance connectivity, and boost agriculture-led prosperity across the union Territory. Officials said the new phase of PMGSY will improve access to remote areas, facilitating better movement of goods and services, especially benefiting farmers and rural communities.
On the occasion, a sanction of over Rs 4,568.23 crore was also released under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) for 24 States and union Territories, aimed at promoting women’s empowerment and strengthening self-help groups.
Addressing the gathering, Chouhan said Jammu & Kashmir has been accorded priority in both phases of PMGSY-IV approvals, reflecting the Centre’s focused approach towards the region’s development. He emphasized that improved road connectivity will open new avenues for economic growth, tourism, and agricultural expansion.
Chouhan noted that the approval of road projects worth nearly Rs 8,000 crore for Jammu & Kashmir within a single year is a historic achievement. He said as construction progresses on the sanctioned roads, the Central government will continue to take positive decisions on the remaining required routes.
He emphasized that the objective is not merely road construction but connecting every village, habitation, and remote settlement to the mainstream of development, as roads bring schools, hospitals, markets, and opportunities closer to people.
Focusing on women’s empowerment, the union Minister stated that a Mother Sanction exceeding Rs 4,568.23 crore has been released under DAY-NRLM for women Self-Help Groups across 24 States and union Territories.
Addressing the women of Jammu & Kashmir, he said the goal is not limited to creating ‘Lakhpati Didis’ but to transform them into stronger and more empowered entrepreneurs. During the programme, Chouhan and Omar also felicitated Lakhpati Didis.
Chouhan flagged key farm challenges in Jammu & Kashmir—small landholdings, difficult terrain, and climate risks. He said the Centre will support the region through the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme, promoting quality planting material, nurseries, and crop diversification.
Addressing the gathering Omar Abdullah described Chouhan, as a true friend and well-wisher of Jammu & Kashmir.
“…You have repeatedly demonstrated that you are a true friend and well-wisher of the people of Jammu & Kashmir. 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,” Omar said.
The CM said that over the past one-and-a-half years, Chouhan has consistently shown sensitivity towards the needs of Jammu & Kashmir.
Calling the Rs 8,000 crore approval extraordinary, he said that such a large sanction in a single phase is significant, and the state government will ensure speedy implementation on the ground.
The Chief Minister emphasized that given Jammu & Kashmir’s geographical terrain, scattered population, and challenges of hilly regions, road connectivity is transformative.
He noted that earlier phases of PMGSY have already connected remote areas to schools, hospitals, markets, and essential services, and Phase-IV is crucial to link the remaining habitations. He said the state government will work with full seriousness in implementing the approved projects, utilizing 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.
