In a groundbreaking development, the Jammu and Kashmir government, under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has provided 2,711 deserving individuals with 5 marlas of land to construct their dream homes as part of the Prime Minister’s Awas Yojana (PMAY).
This significant step towards addressing housing issues for the underprivileged highlights the government’s commitment to social justice, equality, and inclusive development.
A New Dawn for J&K: 2,711 Families Secure Land for Building Houses
At the Raj Bhawan in Jammu and Kashmir, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha announced the allocation of 5 marlas of land to 2,711 individuals in the Union Territory. This historic move marks a crucial milestone in realizing PM Narendra Modi’s vision of providing affordable housing for all. The government’s commitment to uplifting the underprivileged and ensuring their inclusion in mainstream development is commendable.
Land for All: Bridging the Gap in Urban and Rural Areas
The distribution of land for housing purposes is not limited to either urban or rural areas; it encompasses both. This initiative signifies the government’s dedication to addressing homelessness and providing shelter for those in need, irrespective of their geographical location. The administration has taken a holistic approach to ensure that everyone has access to the basic necessity of housing.
Inclusive Development: A Golden Chapter for Social Justice
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha emphasized that the government follows a strict eligibility criterion that ensures no discrimination based on caste, religion, or color. The decision to grant land for housing is a golden chapter in the administration’s pursuit of social justice, equality, and respect for all citizens. It not only enables the landless poor to own a piece of land and build a home but also improves their livelihoods and uplifts their living standards.
Empowering the Underprivileged: Government’s Pro-Poor Policies
The Lt Governor highlighted that the underprivileged section of society is at the core of the government’s policies. After decades of independence, a substantial population remained devoid of basic facilities and rights. However, with this landmark decision, the government aims to bring them into the mainstream of development. This move recognizes the significant contributions made by the poor and downtrodden towards nation-building.
Future Plans: Extending Assistance to More Families
The Union Ministry of Rural Development has allocated an additional target of 1,99,550 houses for the UT of Jammu and Kashmir in the fiscal year 2023-24. The government has also identified 19,95,500 families lacking the resources to construct houses on their own land. Such families will receive assistance from the government soon, further extending the reach of the PMAY.
Progress Update: 40,000 New Houses in the Current Fiscal Year
During the ongoing financial year of 2023-24, Jammu and Kashmir has allocated 40,000 new houses for houseless families under the PMAY-G scheme. Significant progress has already been made, with 18,934 dwelling units completed under PMAY-U. Additionally, 87,350 Individual Household Latrines (IHHLs) and 2,500 Common Service Centers (CSCs) are set to be constructed, enhancing living conditions for the beneficiaries.
Eligibility Criteria: Inclusion of Various Categories
The Deputy Commissioner responsible for land allotment under the Jammu and Kashmir revenue laws will consider several categories of Awas Plus beneficiaries. This includes people residing on state land, forest land, Rakhs and Farms land where construction is prohibited, individuals occupying custodian land, and those displaced near Dachigam Park for agricultural purposes. The government is determined to accommodate all eligible cases, even if they do not possess land for construction.
- During FY 2023-24, Jammu and Kashmir has allotted 40,000 new houses for houseless families under the Prime Minister’s Awas Yojana-G.
- Under the PMAY-U scheme, 18,934 dwelling units have been completed.
- Additionally, 87,350 Individual Household Latrines (IHHLs) and 2,500 Common Service Centers (CSCs) are scheduled for construction.
- The Deputy Commissioner concerned will consider the following categories of Awas plus beneficiaries for land allotment under the Jammu and Kashmir revenue laws:
- People residing on State land.
- People residing on Forest land.
- People residing in Rakhs and Farms land where construction is not permitted.
- People sitting on Custodian land.
- Land allotted to displaced people by the Government near Dachigam Park for agricultural purposes, where construction is not permitted.
- Any other category of cases who are otherwise eligible for housing but do not have any land available for construction.
Conclusion
The allocation of land to 2,711 beneficiaries under the PMAY is a monumental achievement in the pursuit of providing housing for the underprivileged in Jammu and Kashmir. This transformative step not only grants them the ownership of land and homes but also opens up numerous opportunities for a better future.
With a firm commitment to inclusive development, the government is acknowledging and appreciating the invaluable contribution of the poor and downtrodden towards nation-building. The path towards housing for all is now clearer than ever in the beautiful Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
