Diplomat Correspondent
Srinagar, DD, Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, on Thursday announced that the Central Government has identified approximately five lakh people in Jammu and Kashmir who are without permanent homes. He said efforts are underway to provide them housing under a comprehensive government initiative.
Speaking at a press conference in Srinagar, Chouhan said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made it a priority to ensure that no citizen in the region remains homeless.
“A detailed survey has already been conducted to identify eligible beneficiaries. Once the verification process is complete, the process of housing allotment will begin. Verification is essential to maintain transparency and ensure only deserving individuals are included,” Chouhan said.
He added that the government is committed to launching housing construction swiftly so that every eligible person in Jammu and Kashmir has access to a permanent roof over their head.
The minister also spoke about the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) and highlighted its role in empowering rural women. Under the ‘Lakhpati Didi’ scheme, the government aims to increase women’s annual income to above ₹1 lakh through self-help groups and income-generating activities.
“Many women in Jammu and Kashmir have already become ‘Lakhpati Didis’ and are setting inspiring examples of economic independence,” he noted.
Chouhan further revealed the introduction of a new category, ‘Millennial Didi’, for women whose annual income has reached ₹10 lakh. A booklet celebrating the achievements of such women was released during the event.
On employment and rural development, the minister acknowledged some operational challenges in schemes like MGNREGA, but assured that corrective measures are being implemented. Targets have been set for this year and efforts are ongoing to ensure smooth execution.
He also emphasized the need to skilfully engage youth through upcoming educational and vocational initiatives, and said that more farmers in the Union Territory would be linked to the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme for better financial access.
“We are actively reviewing implementation across all central schemes. As per the Prime Minister’s directive, (DD)