New Delhi: Jammu and Kashmir Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Cooperatives and Election Department Javid Ahmad Dar on Monday sought enhanced Central support for rural development programmes in the Union Territory during the Rashtriya Gramin Vikas Sammelan 2026.
The two-day conclave, organised by the Union Ministry of Rural Development, was chaired by Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan and attended by Rural Development Ministers from states and Union Territories.
During the meeting, Dar raised Jammu and Kashmir’s development priorities and sought greater assistance from the Centre for effective implementation of rural development schemes.
He called for early clearance of pending liabilities under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) to ensure uninterrupted execution of development works and timely payment of wages.
The minister also sought enhanced support under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), particularly for maintenance of completed road projects and improving road connectivity to eligible habitations in remote and difficult terrain.
Highlighting Jammu and Kashmir’s geographical and climatic challenges, Dar urged the Centre to provide greater flexibility in the implementation of Centrally Sponsored Schemes. He also sought continued support for strengthening rural livelihoods, promoting self-employment through Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and rural enterprises, and expanding rural housing and basic infrastructure in remote and border areas.
Dar said the Jammu and Kashmir government remained committed to transparent and effective implementation of rural development programmes, with emphasis on creating sustainable infrastructure, generating livelihoods and ensuring welfare benefits reach eligible households.
He also stressed the need for greater convergence among flagship schemes and stronger grassroots institutions to improve development outcomes in rural areas.
The minister thanked the Union Government for organising the conclave and said such platforms enable states and Union Territories to share experiences and best practices in rural development. He expressed hope that the issues raised by Jammu and Kashmir would receive positive consideration from the Centre.
