5 Lakh in J&K still without pucca houses: Union Minister

United News of India

16 hours ago

Srinagar, July 3 (UNI) Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, today said that a survey has identified five lakh names in Jammu and Kashmir who are still without a permanent house.
Chouhan emphasized the need for proper verification before proceeding with allotments of houses to avoid any discrepancies.
'As per the survey, there are five lakh more names who should be given houses. We have said that verification should be done first so that there are no discrepancies. Once the verification is completed, the process of providing permanent shelter to our poor brothers and sisters will begin,' Chouhan told a press conference in Srinagar.
He reiterated the Centre's commitment to ensuring that every citizen, especially the underprivileged, has access to a permanent roof over their heads, in line with the government's housing-for-all mission.
The Union Minister arrived in Srinagar earlier the day on a two day visit.
The Union Minister, accompanied by Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, during the press briefing, lauded the success of women-led rural economic empowerment initiatives in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly under the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM).
Highlighting the transformative impact of self-help groups (SHGs), the Minister said that efforts are being made with full seriousness to eradicate rural poverty, especially among women.
'One of the most promising developments in J&K is the fight against rural poverty through the empowerment of our mothers, sisters, and daughters,' Chouhan said. 'Under NRLM, the initiative to create 'Lakhpati Didis'—women earning over Rs 1 lakh annually—is progressing steadily.'
He further announced that the initiative is now moving beyond Lakhpati.
'I am happy to share that the mission is no longer stopping at Lakhpati Didis. Now, we are seeing the rise of 'Millionaire Didis'—those earning Rs 10 lakh annually,' he said, adding that a special booklet showcasing the success stories of such empowered women was released during the event.
Chouhan reaffirmed the Prime Minister's vision of enabling every poor woman to become economically self-reliant, ensuring sustainable livelihoods and employment opportunities. 'We are committed to ending rural poverty and making women the backbone of economic growth in the region,' he said.
In a major push to strengthen Jammu and Kashmir's horticulture sector, the Union Minister for Agriculture also announced the establishment of a Rs 150 crore Clean Plant Centre in Srinagar under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH).
Chouhan emphasized the importance of providing disease-free planting material to ensure long-term health and productivity of orchards.
'Often, horticulture plants appear healthy at the time of plantation, but after two to three years, issues like bacterial or viral infections emerge. To address this, it is crucial to focus on clean, disease-free plants,' the minister said.
He said the "Clean Plant Centre" in Srinagar will focus on key crops such as apple, almond, walnut, and berry. The institute will employ advanced technologies to ensure that plant material is free from viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens.
Chouhan also announced plans to support the development of private nurseries alongside the clean plant initiative. We will help develop quality private nurseries that can produce and supply clean planting material to farmers. This will ensure better yields and healthier crops across the region,' he added.
The minister reiterated the government's commitment to enhancing horticulture productivity and improving farmers' incomes in Jammu and Kashmir through scientific interventions and infrastructure development.
UNI MJR PRS