HRDS India to Build 1,500 Free Houses in Jammu Kashmir Under Fresh Pact

SRINAGAR: The High-range Rural Development Society (HRDS India) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Divisional Commissioner Jammu and Divisional Commissioner Kashmir for building houses damaged during Operation Sindoor and recent floods in Jammu Kashmir.

According to a statement, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha presided over the MoU signing ceremony at Raj Bhawan. He lauded the noble endeavour of the HRDS India.

The statement reads that HRDS India will build 1,500 free houses across Jammu and Kashmir. “These 3-bedroom houses will be designed and delivered as a ‘smart house’, incorporating modern features for comfort and safety,” it reads.

Speaking on the occasion, the LG said construction of houses is more than just putting up structures. “It is about building dreams, a fresh start and a new chapter in lives of affected families. Human losses are so profound and devastating that they cannot be measured but this initiative will definitely ease their suffering,” he said.

“Under the initiative, the HRDS India and Divisional Commissioners of both the divisions will also identify terror victim families whose houses were destroyed by the terrorists. Besides, 15-year life insurance coverage to all family members, HRDS India will ensure monthly health check-ups and digital connectivity for every house,” reads the statement.

It reads as part of its extended commitment, HRDS India, in collaboration with BSNL, will provide free internet access to all beneficiary households to support education, communication, and digital inclusion.

“The trained HRDS India volunteers will visit each beneficiary household monthly to disseminate information about new government schemes relevant to the beneficiaries. They will conduct free awareness sessions on health, education, hygiene, and preventive care,” it adds.

HRDS India, per the statement, will also undertake repainting of each beneficiary house every five years, at no cost to the beneficiaries.

Principal Secretary to Lieutenant Governor, Dr Mandeep K Bhandari, Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, Founder Secretary, HRDS India, Aji Krishnan, Administrator, Saritha P Menon, Director Corporate Sponsorship Swaraj Kumar G and Chairman Global Initiatives, HRDS India Sanjeev Bhatnagar were present during the ceremony.