HRDS India Inks MoU with J&K Admin to Build Free, Modern 3-Bedroom Houses; Comprehensive Support Includes Life Insurance, Health Check-ups, Digital Connectivity, and Government Scheme Awareness
- Driven by the vision of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, the J&K administration has partnered with High-range Rural Development Society (HRDS India) to construct 1500 free, modern 3-bedroom “Smart Houses” for families affected by ‘Operation Sindoor’ shelling, recent floods, and those whose homes were destroyed by terrorists.
- Beyond construction, the initiative provides unparalleled long-term support, including 15-year life insurance coverage for all family members, monthly health check-ups, free internet access in collaboration with BSNL, and regular awareness sessions on government schemes, health, education, and hygiene.
- LG Sinha emphasized that this initiative is “more than just putting up structure; it is about building dreams, a fresh start, and a new chapter,” acknowledging that while human losses cannot be measured, this comprehensive support will definitely ease suffering and empower affected families.
- The MoU, signed today by HRDS India with Divisional Commissioners Jammu and Kashmir, also mandates the identification of terror victim families whose houses were destroyed by terrorists, ensuring a holistic approach to rehabilitation and safeguarding the future of vulnerable populations.
Srinagar, September 11, 2025: In a profound demonstration of humanitarian vision and unwavering commitment to the well-being of its most vulnerable citizens, Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha today presided over the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the High-range Rural Development Society (HRDS India) and the Divisional Commissioners of Jammu and Kashmir. This ambitious initiative, a direct reflection of the Lieutenant Governor’s vision, aims to construct 1500 free, modern houses for families whose lives have been shattered by the cross-border shelling during ‘Operation Sindoor’, the devastation of recent floods, and the tragic legacy of terrorism.
The MoU, inked at a solemn ceremony at Raj Bhawan, signals a comprehensive rehabilitation effort that extends far beyond mere brick and mortar. HRDS India will construct these 1500 free houses across the Union Territory, each designed as a “Smart House” with three bedrooms and incorporating modern features for enhanced comfort and safety. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha lauded this noble endeavour, emphasizing its deeper significance. “Construction of houses is more than just putting up structure. It is about building dreams, a fresh start, and a new chapter in the lives of affected families,” he articulated, acknowledging the immeasurable depth of human losses, “Human losses are so profound and devastating that they can’t be measured, but this initiative will definitely ease their suffering.”
The initiative’s scope is remarkably holistic, designed to empower and safeguard the future of the beneficiaries. Under the MoU, HRDS India, in close collaboration with the Divisional Commissioners of both Jammu and Kashmir, will meticulously identify families whose homes were damaged during the intense shelling of ‘Operation Sindoor’ and the recent devastating floods. Crucially, the initiative will also identify terror victim families whose houses were destroyed by terrorists, ensuring that no segment of the deeply impacted population is left behind.
The commitment from HRDS India extends well beyond the provision of shelter. Each beneficiary family will receive 15-year life insurance coverage for all its members, providing a vital safety net. Furthermore, HRDS India will ensure monthly health check-ups for all family members and equip every house with digital connectivity. In a collaborative effort with BSNL, free internet access will be provided to all beneficiary households, supporting education, communication, and digital inclusion, thereby bridging the digital divide for these vulnerable communities.
The dedication to long-term well-being is further underscored by HRDS India’s commitment to continuous engagement. Trained HRDS India volunteers will conduct monthly visits to each beneficiary household to disseminate information about new government schemes relevant to their needs. These volunteers will also conduct free awareness sessions on critical aspects of health, education, hygiene, and preventive care, fostering self-reliance and improving overall quality of life. As a unique pledge, HRDS India will also undertake the repainting of each beneficiary house every five years, at no additional cost to the families.
The MoU signing ceremony was attended by key dignitaries, including Dr. Mandeep K. Bhandari, Principal Secretary to Lieutenant Governor; Shri Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Shri Anshul Garg, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Shri Aji Krishnan, Founder-Secretary, HRDS India; Ms. Saritha P Menon, Administrator; Shri Swaraj Kumar G., Director Corporate Sponsorship; and Shri Sanjeev Bhatnagar, Chairman Global Initiatives, HRDS India. This comprehensive initiative stands as a beacon of hope and resilience, reflecting the Lieutenant Governor’s profound vision of rebuilding not just structures, but lives and futures, ensuring a renewed sense of security and dignity for those who have endured immense hardship.
