jj correspondent
Srinagar, July 3: In a major decision, Jammu and Kashmir Government has approved 5 Marlas of land to each landless Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) beneficiary.
“It is a historic day for J&K and a new beginning for thousands of landless families”, Lieutenant Governor said.
He said it will prove to be a golden chapter in the Administration’s effort for social justice, equality, respect and equal opportunities to all citizens.
“This historic & path-breaking decision will not only entitle the landless poor to own a piece of land and have a house but it will also provide them means of livelihood, raise their living standards and realize their dreams and aspirations,” Lieutenant Governor said in a series of tweets.
Jammu Kashmir government is committed to Inclusive development. “This move will open up endless opportunities to the poor and downtrodden and with this landmark decision, the administration is acknowledging their immense contribution in the task of nation-building,” he added.
Earlier during the day addressing a press conference in Srinagar, Sinha said that almost two lakh homeless families are being provided homes under the Yojna in Jammu and Kashmir.
He said that Prime Minister Narendera Modi had announced PM Awas Yojna and J&K couldn’t lag behind.
“After discussing the issue at the Administrative Council and with the Revenue and Rural Development department, it was decided that 5 malras land will be given to the landless families of J&K,” he said
LG said that so far 2711 landless families have been given land and more will be covered shortly.
“Similarly, as far as the homeless families are concerned, a total of 1, 99,550 families have been identified and till June 21, 1,44000 families have been given sanction while remaining will be covered as well,” he added.
To a query whether West Pak Refugees were covered under the scheme, the LG said that there is no caste and religion being followed in the scheme.
“A proper eligibility criteria is being followed and whosoever is eligible is being covered,” he said.
“Providing land to landless and homes to the homeless is a revolutionary step. Once a poor person gets home, he will think of earning a living and sending his children to schools.”
Sinha said land is being given to the eligible people in their respective Panchayats only.
Sinha said the recently held G-20 Tourism Working Group meeting in Srinagar turned a game changer as foreign tourist arrivals have shown a significant increase.
“The three day G-20 meeting held in Srinagar on May 22 this year is proving to be a game changer for the tourism sector in J&K as during the first six months of ensuing year 15,000 foreign tourist arrivals have registered after a long gap,” he said.
“The figure is likely to go up further in coming months,” LG said and added “majority of foreign guests are coming from South East Asian Countries”.
He said the participants of the G-20 meeting have gone back to their respective countries with a good message.
The LG further said that Srinagar is fast emerging as the hub of international activities as all major conferences were taking place here.
“For the first time, the Indian System of Medicines, Engineer’s Association, Chartered Accountant Association and 18 Supreme Court judges participated in different meetings in Srinagar recently,” he added. UNI
