Jammu and Kashmir will soon see the allotment of houses to nearly five lakh identified beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced on Thursday. Speaking at a press conference in Srinagar, Chouhan said that 93 percent of PMAY housing allotments in the Union Territory have been completed, and the remaining eligible names have been verified. Chouhan also unveiled initiatives for farmers and horticulture, including a new Clean Plant Centre and upgraded saffron cultivation facilities in the region.
Jammu and Kashmir has been prioritised in the Centre’s ongoing housing and rural development efforts, as highlighted by Union Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan during his visit to Srinagar. Addressing media representatives with former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah seated beside him, Chouhan confirmed that nearly five lakh people in the Union Territory have been identified as not owning a home and will be provided housing under the PMAY scheme after final verification. He noted that 93 percent of the PMAY allotments in J&K have already been completed. “A survey has identified five lakh names that deserve housing. Their verification is underway, and allotments will be issued shortly,” said Chouhan.
The announcement comes against the backdrop of past political criticism regarding the identification process for housing beneficiaries in Jammu and Kashmir. Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had earlier questioned the government’s criteria, particularly objecting to the inclusion of individuals who migrated to the region following the revocation of Article 370 in August 2019. In a statement in July 2023, he asserted that the government must clarify the definition of “homeless” before proceeding with land allotments. Several regional political parties have previously accused the Centre of using housing schemes to facilitate the settlement of people from outside the region, further intensifying the political debate. However, the Centre has repeatedly stated that its focus is on development, transparency, and providing rightful benefits to eligible residents of the Union Territory.
During the press conference, Chouhan emphasized that a developed Jammu and Kashmir is critical to achieving Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s broader vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’. He praised the local administration’s initiative, ‘Kisan Khidmat Ghar’, which serves as a single-window platform providing farmers access to essential agricultural services and support systems under one roof. He also announced that farmers who have been allotted land by the government but currently lack formal documentation would be eligible for benefits under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme. The Centre is actively working on including these undocumented beneficiaries to ensure equitable access to welfare programs.
Chouhan further revealed plans to launch the Restructured Weather-Based Crop Insurance Scheme in the region. This updated scheme is expected to ensure the proper mapping of horticulture crops, which will enable their inclusion under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY). The move is aimed at improving insurance coverage and financial resilience for farmers cultivating high-value crops such as apples, walnuts, almonds, and berries. One of the critical concerns raised by the Union Minister was the recurring issue of disease-prone plant material imported into the region. According to Chouhan, while horticulture remains one of Jammu and Kashmir’s most promising sectors, the region faces long-term setbacks when imported saplings turn out to be infected within two to three years.
To tackle this challenge, the government will establish a Clean Plant Centre in Srinagar under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture. The project, with an estimated cost of Rs 150 crore, will focus on producing clean, disease-free planting material. “We aim to deliver high-quality, pathogen-free saplings for apples, almonds, walnuts, and berries. Private nurseries will also be integrated into the ecosystem to ensure consistent standards,” said Chouhan. He also addressed the need to preserve and promote saffron cultivation, calling it a symbol of Kashmir’s cultural and agricultural identity. The Union Minister announced the establishment of a tissue culture lab and nursery dedicated to boosting saffron production. This initiative will be part of a revised National Saffron Mission, tailored specifically to local climatic and soil conditions.
An expert committee of agricultural scientists and horticulturists will also be formed to guide saffron growers and assist in improving yield, quality, and resistance to pests and disease. The goal is to enhance productivity while minimizing economic losses incurred by farmers in the saffron belt of Pulwama, Budgam, and adjoining areas.
In conclusion, Chouhan reiterated the Centre’s commitment to inclusive growth and sustainable rural development in Jammu and Kashmir. “Development cannot wait. We are focused on speed, transparency, and equity in delivering welfare schemes to every corner of the Union Territory,” he stated.
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Jammu and Kashmir Centre to provide houses to 5 lakh PMAY beneficiaries says Union Minister Shivraj Chouhan
