Srinagar, Apr 28 (JKNS): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday extended a warm welcome to Union Minister for Agriculture & Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan during the launch of PMGSY-IV (Batch-II) at SKICC Srinagar, describing him as a “friend and well-wisher of Jammu and Kashmir” and lauding his continued support for development works in the Union Territory.
Addressing the gathering, CM Omar, as per news agency JKNS, said it has been around one and a half years since the formation of the present government and during this period Shivraj Singh Chouhan has repeatedly shown concern and commitment towards J&K, calling him not just a friend but a true sympathiser of the people.
He remarked that the Union Minister’s approach towards Jammu and Kashmir reflects a strong sense of understanding and support, adding that even if a fraction of the same development push had been applied elsewhere, it would have been widely acknowledged.
Omar Abdullah said the government will work on all sanctioned projects under PMGSY-IV and ensure timely implementation on the ground, stressing that road connectivity is directly linked with healthcare, education, and daily life of people in remote areas.
Highlighting the importance of rural development, the Chief Minister said Jammu and Kashmir’s real strength lies in its villages and that the government’s focus remains on strengthening rural infrastructure and economy through connectivity, agriculture, and livelihood programmes.
He said schemes under HADP and rural development missions are being further improved to ensure maximum benefit reaches farmers and growers, especially in view of weather-related challenges affecting agriculture and horticulture sectors.
Omar Abdullah also underscored the role of self-help groups and rural livelihood missions, stating that efforts are underway to empower women economically and strengthen grassroots-level income generation.
Reiterating the importance of PMGSY, he said that improved road connectivity has transformed lives in far-flung areas, enabling easier access to schools, hospitals, and markets, and added that remaining unconnected habitations must be prioritised under the new phase of the programme. (JKNS)
