News Desk
The Union Government approved road projects worth USD 960 million (₹8,000 crore) for Jammu and Kashmir, marking one of the largest allocations for rural connectivity in the region . Union Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced the approval in Srinagar during a programme at the Sher‑i‑Kashmir International Conference Centre.
Chouhan handed over the sanction letter for projects under PMGSY‑IV (Batch‑II) to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. He said the Centre prioritised Jammu and Kashmir in both phases of PMGSY‑IV, reflecting a strong focus on rural infrastructure expansion .
The Minister also released a USD 548 million (₹4,568.23 crore) Mother Sanction under DAY‑NRLM for women Self‑Help Groups across 24 States and Union Territories . He said the government aims to strengthen women’s entrepreneurship and support more women to become independent income earners.
Chouhan and Abdullah jointly felicitated Lakhpati Didis during the event .
Chouhan highlighted integrated farming as a key model to increase rural incomes. He said farmers can improve earnings by combining agriculture with allied activities such as animal husbandry, fisheries, beekeeping, and sheep and goat rearing . He added that the Centre will work with the Jammu and Kashmir Government to design a programme that makes agriculture more profitable and employment‑oriented.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah welcomed the announcement and described Chouhan as a long‑time supporter of Jammu and Kashmir . He said the USD 960 million approval is extraordinary and assured speedy implementation of the projects on the ground .
