Five Lakh Homeless in Jammu Kashmir to Receive Permanent Shelter: Union Minister

SRINAGAR: The Union Government has identified over five lakh homeless individuals in Jammu and Kashmir who will be provided permanent housing under a central scheme, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced on Thursday.

Addressing a press conference in Srinagar, Chouhan said the Prime Minister has directed that every person without a permanent home in Jammu and Kashmir should be given shelter. “A comprehensive survey has already been conducted to identify the beneficiaries. Once verification is completed, the allotment process will begin. Verification is crucial to ensure that only eligible individuals are included,” he said.

Chouhan emphasised that the government is committed to provide housing for all eligible individuals in the region. He also highlighted ongoing efforts under the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) to alleviate rural poverty, particularly among women.

He further added that government is working through self-help groups to raise the annual income of rural women above one lakh under the ‘Lakhpati Didi’ scheme. “Many women in Jammu and Kashmir have already reached that milestone. A new category called ‘Millennial Didi’ has also been introduced for women earning ten lakh rupees annually,” he said.
Moreover, a booklet highlighting the success stories of such women was released during the event.

On the employment front, the minister acknowledged challenges in the implementation of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) in the region but assured that corrective steps are underway. “Targets for MGNREGA workers have been set for this year, and implementation is ongoing,” he said.

Chouhan also announced plans to enhance employment opportunities for youth through skill development and new educational initiatives. He said efforts are being made to connect more farmers to the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme to boost agricultural productivity.

During his visit, the minister reviewed the status of various central schemes in the Union Territory and assured that corrective measures will be taken where needed. “As per the Prime Minister’s vision, we are fully committed to the comprehensive development of Jammu and Kashmir,” Chouhan said.

According to recent official data presented in the Rajya Sabha on February 10, 2025, there are approximately 10,848 homeless individuals in urban areas of Jammu and Kashmir. (KNO)