Latest news with #VibrantVillageProgramme
United News of India
a day ago
- Politics
- United News of India
PM Modi announces additional aid for families hit by cross-border shelling
Katra (J&K), June 6 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday announced additional financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh each for families whose houses were severely damaged due to cross-border shelling from Pakistan. Addressing a public gathering here, the Prime Minister stated that households suffering severe damage due to cross-border firing will now receive Rs 2 lakh, while those with partially damaged homes will be granted Rs 1 lakh. This assistance is in addition to the support already provided earlier by the government, an official statement said. He emphasised the government's commitment to the well-being of those affected, noting that families who lost loved ones in the shelling have already received appointment letters for government aid. Recognising the hardship faced by over 2,000 families impacted by the shelling, PM Modi reaffirmed the government's solidarity with the victims, saying, 'Their pain is the nation's pain.' Stating that the government recognises border residents as the nation's frontline protectors, Modi said, 'Over the past decade, unprecedented efforts have been made to strengthen development and security in border districts'. Highlighting key initiatives, Modi said that approximately 10,000 new bunkers have been constructed, which played a critical role in safeguarding lives during the aftermath of Operation Sindoor. He also announced the formation of two new border battalions for the Jammu and Kashmir division, further enhancing security operations in the region. Additionally, he said two dedicated women battalions have also been successfully established, reinforcing defence capabilities and empowering women in the armed forces. Emphasising the significant infrastructure development taking place in India's international border regions, particularly in challenging terrains, the Prime Minister announced that hundreds of crores are being invested to improve connectivity and security. 'The Kathua-Jammu Highway is being upgraded into a six-lane expressway, while the Akhnoor-Poonch Highway is undergoing widening to facilitate smoother travel. Under the Vibrant Village Programme, development initiatives in border villages have been accelerated, ensuring better living conditions and opportunities for residents,' the Prime Minister said. He mentioned that 400 villages in Jammu and Kashmir, previously lacking all-weather connectivity, are now being linked with 1,800 km of newly constructed roads. He announced allocation of over Rs 4,200 crore for these infrastructure projects, reinforcing economic growth and regional development in border areas. Earlier, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone, inaugurated and dedicated to the nation multiple development projects worth over Rs 46,000 crore at Katra. UNI VBH RBE PRS
Hindustan Times
24-04-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Helipads located in ITBP-controlled zones could be utilised to promote tourism: CM Sukhu
Shimla, Helipads located in ITBP-controlled zones could be utilised to promote tourism in remote areas and all formalities in this regard would be completed in consultation with the force, which would also help enhance connectivity, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said on Thursday. Sukhu, who held a meeting with Sanjay Gunjyal, Frontier Commander of the Northern Frontier Headquarters of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police Dehradun here, said that the state government would establish improved coordination with ITBP's regional response centre to strengthen disaster management. In a statement issued here, the chief minister said that the state government is taking several steps to strengthen the rural economy, and if the ITBP procures food products directly from local residents, it would create employment opportunities and benefit farmers and horticulturists. He urged ITBP officials to prioritise the involvement of local residents in construction projects after completing all requisite formalities and also directed the state officials to expedite all procedures for establishing communication towers in border areas. During the meeting, detailed discussions were held regarding the role of ITBP in the border districts of Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti and issues concerning security along the India-China border. Apart from this, various topics were deliberated upon, including a road map for promoting border tourism in the frontier regions of the state, procurement of local produce for ITBP supplies, and provision of medical services to local communities through ITBP healthcare facilities. Commander Sanjay Gunjyal briefed the chief minister about steps taken under the Vibrant Village Programme for the construction of three proposed roads in the Sangla Valley and Kaurik area. He also shared details of 15 additional roads proposed in remote and forward border regions of the state. Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri virtually attended the meeting and shared his views and suggestions.
