Jammu, Dec 8: 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.
According to the Associated News Bureau (ANB), the 350 houses—each a three-bedroom pre-fabricated smart unit—will be built at a cost of ₹35 crore. The entire construction cost is being funded by the High-range Rural Development Society (HRDS India), an NGO, at no expense to the government.
In his address, the Lieutenant Governor expressed gratitude to HRDS India for supporting the rehabilitation of affected families in Jammu and Kashmir. He said the initiative reflects a strong commitment to restoring dignity and security for those who have suffered losses.
The LG said the new houses are designed to be efficient, modern, resilient, and technologically advanced, and will also include essential facilities such as cowsheds. Construction is expected to be completed within six months.
Beyond building homes, HRDS India is offering an extensive welfare package to beneficiary families, including:
Free life insurance for all family members for 15 years
Free annual health checkups
Maintenance of houses for five years
Reaffirming his commitment to uplift the underprivileged, the LG said,
“In the past five years, lakhs of poor families have benefitted, and infrastructure in backward regions has been upgraded. Jammu’s rapid development is unprecedented despite numerous challenges. We remain committed to transforming Jammu into an inclusive and modern urban centre.”
He added that a phase of accelerated economic development and social transformation has begun, with several major projects strengthening Jammu’s urban infrastructure, enhancing mobility, improving civic amenities, and beautifying the city.
The LG commended the swift coordination demonstrated by the district administration, police, Army, CAPFs, Disaster Response Forces, volunteers, and civil society during rescue and relief operations. He said their efforts ensured timely evacuation and care for all affected families.
A total of 4,309 beneficiaries in Jammu district received assistance, and compensation worth ₹8.22 crore has been disbursed so far. The LG also confirmed that ex-gratia relief and a government job were provided to the next of kin of a civilian killed in Pakistani firing during Operation Sindoor.
He interacted with affected families and reiterated the government’s commitment to their complete rehabilitation. Among the beneficiaries are 23 families from Rah Salyote village, who were displaced by landslides and have been receiving food and temporary accommodation from the administration for three months.
The foundation stone–laying ceremony was attended by Swami Atma Nambi, President HRDS India; DDC Chairman Bharat Bhushan; 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; senior officials of police and civil administration; and prominent citizens.
