Jammu, December 8, 2025 : Reaffirming the government’s commitment to inclusive development and social justice, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday laid the foundation stone for the construction of 350 new houses for families affected by recent natural calamities and unprovoked Pakistani shelling during Operation Sindoor in Jammu district.
The project, estimated to cost Rs 35 crore, involves the construction of three-bedroom pre-fabricated Smart Houses, with the entire construction cost being borne by High-range Rural Development Society (HRDS India), a non-governmental organisation. Notably, the initiative is being executed without spending a single rupee from the government exchequer.
Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor expressed deep gratitude to HRDS India for its humanitarian initiative in supporting distressed families across Jammu. He informed that the construction will be completed within six months, and the houses will be modern, resilient, energy-efficient, and technologically advanced, with additional facilities such as dedicated cowsheds.
In addition to housing support, HRDS India has also announced a comprehensive welfare package for the beneficiaries. This includes:
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Free life insurance coverage for all family members for 15 years
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Free annual health checkups
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Maintenance coverage of houses for the next five years
Reiterating his commitment to social upliftment, LG Manoj Sinha said, “We are committed to bringing a monumental change in the lives of the poor. In the past five years, lakhs of underprivileged citizens have benefitted, and infrastructure in backward regions has seen unprecedented growth.”
He emphasised that Jammu’s urban transformation is progressing at an unmatched pace, and the city is being developed into an inclusive urban centre with modern infrastructure, improved mobility, citizen-centric services, and enhanced civic amenities.
“A new era of accelerated economic development and social transformation has begun in Jammu and Kashmir. Massive project completion in a short period has significantly strengthened urban infrastructure and improved the quality of life for citizens,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The LG also lauded the district administration and various agencies for their swift response in the aftermath of the calamities. He praised the coordinated efforts of the Divisional and District Administration, Police, Army, CAPFs, Disaster Response Forces, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, civil society members and volunteers for ensuring safe evacuation, relief and rehabilitation.
A total of 4,309 beneficiaries in Jammu district received assistance, with compensation amounting to Rs 8.22 crore already distributed. The Lieutenant Governor further informed that ex-gratia relief and a government job were provided to the next of kin of a civilian who lost his life during the unprovoked Pakistani shelling under Operation Sindoor.
Beneficiaries also include 23 families affected by landslides in Rah Salyote village, who have been receiving free food and temporary accommodation from the district administration for the past three months.
The Lieutenant Governor interacted with the beneficiaries on the occasion and assured them of the complete rehabilitation and continued support from the Government of India and the UT administration.
Among those present at the ceremony were Swami Atma Nambi, President HRDS India; Bharat Bhushan, Chairman DDC Jammu; MLAs; Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo; DGP Nalin Prabhat; Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar; IGP Jammu Bhim Sen Tuti; DIG Shiv Kumar Sharma; Deputy Commissioner Dr Rakesh Minhas, along with senior officials, members of HRDS India, and prominent citizens.
