Since its launch in 2016, the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) has brought significant changes to rural housing in Jammu Kashmir, with over 3.35 lakh houses sanctioned and 2.8 lakh completed.
These achievements were spotlighted during a workshop on PMAY-G, inaugurated by Javed Ahmad Dar, Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development, and Panchayati Raj Departments, in Srinagar.
Mohammad Aijaz Asad, Secretary of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (RD&PR), shared key milestones achieved under the scheme.
These include the completion of 67,780 houses in the 2023-24 fiscal year and an additional 82,000 houses by December 2024. He also highlighted the allocation of five marlas of land to 488 landless families, ensuring they can access housing under the scheme.
During the workshop, the Secretary described PMAY-G as central to inclusive development and poverty alleviation, emphasizing the dignity and stability it offers rural families. He called for ongoing efforts to identify all deserving beneficiaries, ensuring no family is left behind.
The event also featured the launch of a booklet on PMAY-G 2.0 and a cheque distribution ceremony for beneficiaries. Minister Javed Ahmad Dar applauded the scheme’s transformative impact on rural and geographically remote areas.
He stressed the importance of transparency and efficient resource utilization to meet deadlines.
Nasir Aslam Wani, Advisor to the Chief Minister, underscored the emotional and social importance of housing, calling it vital to family well-being.
He praised field officers for their dedication and urged them to streamline verification processes to meet the March 31 deadline for beneficiary identification.
Key officials, including Ashish Shinde, Joint Director of Rural Housing from the Ministry of Rural Development, attended the workshop and provided insights into PMAY-G 2.0. Other dignitaries included Director RDD Kashmir, Shabir Hussain; Joint Director (Administration), Riyaz Ahmad Shah; and Director of Social Audit, Shafia Naqshbandi.