Srinagar, July 4, 2025 – Union Minister for Agriculture, Farmers’ Welfare, and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, announced that the central government has identified approximately five lakh homeless individuals in Jammu and Kashmir who will receive permanent housing under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY). Speaking at a press conference in Srinagar alongside Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Chouhan emphasized Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s resolve to ensure no citizen remains without a roof over their head. “A survey has been conducted to identify beneficiaries, and once verification is completed, housing allotment will begin,” he said, highlighting the government’s commitment to targeted delivery and inclusive growth.
The announcement, part of a broader push to strengthen rural development in the Union Territory, underscores the Centre’s focus on addressing homelessness and empowering communities through schemes like PMAY and the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM). Chouhan’s visit to Srinagar included a high-level review meeting with Chief Minister Abdullah to assess progress in agriculture, housing, and rural development initiatives, reinforcing the vision of a “Viksit Jammu & Kashmir” as integral to a developed India.Housing for All: PMAY Implementation in J&KThe identification of five lakh homeless individuals follows a comprehensive government survey aimed at ensuring eligible beneficiaries receive permanent shelter under PMAY. Chouhan noted that 93% of previously sanctioned houses under the scheme have been completed in J&K, with the remaining allotments pending verification to prevent ineligible inclusions. “Verification is crucial to ensure only those in need benefit,” he said, adding that the process will be expedited to provide homes without delay.
The PMAY initiative aligns with Prime Minister Modi’s goal of “Housing for All,” with a focus on providing dignified living conditions to the poor. “Gareeb ko samman milega, rozgar milega, aur chhat bhi milegi (The poor will get dignity, jobs, and a roof over their head),” Chouhan stated, emphasizing last-mile delivery and grassroots engagement.
PMAY Progress in Jammu and Kashmir
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Homeless Identified | ~5,00,000 individuals |
| Scheme | Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) |
| Completion Rate (Previous) | 93% of sanctioned houses completed |
| Next Steps | Verification of beneficiaries, followed by allotment |
| Objective | Permanent shelter for every eligible individual |
Broader Rural Development InitiativesDuring the review meeting at the Civil Secretariat in Srinagar, attended by Union Minister of State for Agriculture Ram Nath Thakur, J&K Minister for Agriculture Production Javid Ahmed Dar, and Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Chouhan outlined additional measures to uplift J&K’s rural and agricultural sectors. He highlighted the success of NRLM’s “Lakhpati Didi” campaign, which empowers women through self-help groups (SHGs) to earn at least Rs 1 lakh annually. A new category, “Millennial Didi,” was introduced for women achieving Rs 10 lakh annual income, with a booklet showcasing their success stories released during the event.
Chouhan also addressed challenges in implementing the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), assuring that corrective steps are underway with specific targets set for 2025. Efforts to connect more farmers to the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme and expand the Crop Insurance Scheme for high-value horticultural crops like apples, almonds, walnuts, and saffron were also discussed.
Key Rural Development Initiatives
| Initiative | Details |
|---|---|
| Lakhpati Didi (NRLM) | Empowers women to earn Rs 1 lakh+ annually via SHGs |
| Millennial Didi | New category for women earning Rs 10 lakh annually |
| MGNREGA | Targets set for 2025 to address implementation issues |
| Kisan Credit Card (KCC) | Expanding access for J&K farmers |
| Crop Insurance Scheme | To cover high-value horticultural crops |
Agricultural and Horticultural AdvancementsChouhan announced the establishment of a Rs 150-crore Clean Plant Centre in Srinagar under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) to provide disease-free planting material for crops like apples, almonds, walnuts, and berries. Additionally, a tissue culture lab and nursery will be set up to boost saffron production, with the National Saffron Mission being revised to suit local conditions. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) will support Jammu Agricultural University in establishing a Regional Horticulture Centre to address long-standing demands of local farmers.
To enhance rural infrastructure, projects worth over Rs 4,200 crore are underway under the Prime Minister’s Gram Sadak Yojana to improve road connectivity in remote and tribal villages. “When the Prime Minister promises development, he means every corner of the country—from Kupwara to Kathua,” Chouhan said.
Collaborative Efforts for a Viksit J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah welcomed Chouhan’s engagement, noting, “Your presence here has truly won our hearts. This meeting is a testimony to how much can be achieved through dialogue and collaboration.” A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Kudumbashree and the Jammu and Kashmir Rural Livelihoods Mission (JKRLM) to establish 20 food service enterprises, one in each district, to promote women’s entrepreneurship and local employment.
The collaborative efforts between the Centre and J&K administration reflect a commitment to grassroots empowerment and inclusive growth. Chouhan assured continued support, stating, “My office is just a call away whenever needed,” reinforcing the Centre’s dedication to J&K’s development.
Conclusion
The announcement of permanent housing for five lakh homeless individuals in Jammu and Kashmir under PMAY marks a significant step toward fulfilling Prime Minister Modi’s vision of a developed India. Coupled with advancements in agriculture, women’s empowerment, and rural infrastructure, these initiatives highlight the Centre’s commitment to transforming J&K’s socio-economic landscape. As verification progresses and allotments begin, the region is poised to witness inclusive growth, ensuring dignity, opportunity, and shelter for all its residents.
