New Delhi/Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir is set for a significant development push as Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan begins a two-day visit to the Valley, with a major programme scheduled in Srinagar on April 28.
At a high-profile event at SKICC, the Union Minister will launch the next phase of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY-IV, Batch-II), in the presence of Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, and other senior dignitaries.
Officials said the programme will mark a key milestone in the region’s infrastructure development. Since its launch in 2000, PMGSY has led to the construction of 3,328 roads spanning 19,851 kilometres in Jammu and Kashmir, along with 257 bridges. Under the new phase, 330 additional roads covering around 1,600 kilometres will be built at an estimated cost of ₹3,550 crore, benefiting 363 habitations.
Chouhan said the initiative reflects the Centre’s focus on delivering development at the grassroots level under the leadership of Narendra Modi, with an emphasis on connecting remote villages and strengthening rural infrastructure as a driver of broader economic integration.
During the event, the Union Minister will also hand over the formal approval letter for PMGSY-IV, Batch-II to the Chief Minister.
In addition, a central share of ₹4,568.23 crore will be released to 24 states and Union Territories under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), aimed at strengthening rural livelihoods and women-led self-help groups. The initiative aligns with the government’s push to create “Lakhpati Didis” by promoting financial independence among women.
Officials highlighted that Jammu and Kashmir currently has nearly 96,000 Self-Help Groups, 7,500 Village Organisations and 650 Cluster-Level Federations, forming the backbone of its rural economy. Through skill development, entrepreneurship and community-led initiatives, these networks are contributing to income generation and social empowerment.
From an agriculture perspective, farmers in the region continue to benefit from flagship schemes such as PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, Agriculture Infrastructure Fund, horticulture missions, Farmer Producer Organisations, e-NAM and micro-irrigation programmes.
Officials said the visit underscores a broader message of trust, participation and results-driven governance, targeting farmers, horticulturists, rural households and women’s groups across Jammu and Kashmir.
