Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana-Gramin is a crucial scheme for upliftment of weaker sections in J&K: Javed Dar

• No greater social work than helping people own homes: Advisor to CM

SRINAGAR: Minister for Agriculture Production and Rural Development & Panchayati Raj Departments, Javed Ahmad Dar, today termed Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) as a crucial housing scheme for upliftment of weaker sections of the society. The Minister remarked this during his address after inaugurating one day workshop on PMAY-G here.

The Minister was accompanied by Advisor to Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani, Secretary RDD&PR, Mohammad Aijaz Asad, and other officers of the department. During the workshop, the Minister distributed cheques among the PMAY-G beneficiaries. He also launched a booklet on PMAY-G 2. The Minister stressed the importance of identifying genuine beneficiaries and ensuring inclusivity under PMAY-G, emphasising that “no one should be left out.” He called for a sincere, transparent approach in beneficiary selection and resource allocation.

Referring to PMAY-G scheme, the Minister remarked on its transformative impact on rural housing across Jammu and Kashmir. Acknowledging geographical challenge, the Minister stressed on importance of meticulous planning and efficient fund utilisation for timely completion of projects. He also highlighted the need for transparency and accountability, emphasising that “public representatives and officers must work in tandem and perform upto the expectations of general public. Only through such accountability can we deliver a better government.”

The Minister stressed the significance of engaging directly with grassroots communities and addressing their grievances. Advisor to Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani called the scheme a significant initiative aimed at providing dignified housing to economically weaker sections of society. He described a home as “the closest thing to a person’s heart, a place to live comfortably and take care of one’s family.” He commended the officers and field workers for their vital role in transforming lives through their support and dedication, stating that “there is no bigger social work than helping people fulfill their dream of owning a home.” He urged the department to streamline the verification process further, ensuring timely identification of beneficiaries before March 31 deadline.

Secretary, RD&PR Aijaz Asad, described PMAY-G as a cornerstone of inclusive development and poverty alleviation strategies, transforming lives by providing not just houses but homes that offer hope, dignity, and a brighter future. Reflecting on the scheme’s achievements, Asad highlighted that since its inception in 2016, over 3.35 lakh houses have been sanctioned in Jammu and Kashmir, with 2.8 lakh already completed.

 The Secretary also celebrated recent milestones, including a record-breaking 67,780 houses completed in the 2023-24 financial year and an additional 82,000 by December 2024. He applauded the allocation of five marlas of land to 488 landless families, enabling them to benefit from PMAY-G. Ashish Shinde, Joint Director, Rural housing, MoRD, GoI, also participated in the event, and delivered a detailed presentation on implementation and upcoming features of Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) 2.0.

The workshop was attended by Director RDD Kashmir Shabir Hussain, Joint Director (Adm), RDD, Riyaz Ahmad Shah, Director, Social Audit, Shafia Naqshbandi, Assistant Commissioner Development (ACDs), Assistant Commissioner Panchayat (ACPs) and BDOs of Kashmir division.