Srinagar, Apr 27 (JKNS): Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Monday announced a major development package for Jammu and Kashmir, including the launch of PMGSY-IV Batch-II and release of over ₹4,568 crore under rural livelihood schemes, aimed at accelerating infrastructure and economic growth in the region.
Addressing a press conference in Srinagar, as pwr news agency JKNS Chouhan said that the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY)-IV, Batch-II will be formally launched on April 28 at SKICC, in the presence of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, marking a significant step towards strengthening rural connectivity.
He said that under PMGSY-IV Batch-II, around 330 new roads spanning nearly 1,600 kilometers will be constructed at an estimated cost of ₹3,550 crore, benefiting 363 habitations across Jammu and Kashmir. He added that the initiative is aimed at ensuring last-mile connectivity and integrating remote villages with mainstream development.
Highlighting past achievements, the Union Minister said that since the inception of PMGSY in 2000, Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed the construction of 3,328 roads covering 19,851 kilometers along with 257 bridges, significantly improving accessibility and mobility in rural areas.
Chouhan further announced that ₹4,568.23 crore will be released as the central share to 24 States and Union Territories under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), reiterating the Centre’s commitment to strengthening rural livelihoods and empowering women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
He said that nearly 96,000 Self-Help Groups, 7,500 Village Organisations and around 650 Cluster-Level Federations are currently active in Jammu and Kashmir, playing a vital role in promoting entrepreneurship, income generation and financial inclusion in rural areas.
The Union Minister emphasized that the government is working with a multi-dimensional approach, where infrastructure development is complemented by initiatives in agriculture, horticulture, skill development and rural enterprise. He said flagship schemes like PM-Kisan, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, Agriculture Infrastructure Fund, e-NAM and micro-irrigation projects are being implemented to strengthen the farming community and enhance productivity.
Chouhan said the focus is not only on building roads but also on creating sustainable economic opportunities, especially for youth and women, thereby contributing to the broader vision of a developed and self-reliant Jammu and Kashmir.
He added that the upcoming programme in Srinagar will also include handing over approval letters for PMGSY-IV projects and further strengthening Centre–UT coordination for effective implementation of development initiatives on the ground. (JKNS)
