GoI committed to rehabilitate victim families hit by violence, natural calamities
Jammu Tawi, Nov 21: Asserting that Poonch has long faced the brunt of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday said the government remains fully committed to rehabilitating families affected by recent natural calamities and unprovoked Pakistani shelling earlier this year.
During his visit to Poonch, the LG laid the foundation stone for construction of new houses for families hit by flash floods and shelling during Operation Sindoor in Poonch and Rajouri districts. Addressing the gathering, he said the entire country looks at Poonch as an inspiration for its resilience in the face of terrorism and repeated ceasefire violations.
He said that 133 houses in Poonch and 388 in Rajouri—completely damaged in shelling and natural calamities—will be built free of cost with the support of High-range Rural Development Society (HRDS India). Paying homage to the 14 civilians killed in May, the LG said no assistance can compensate the loss of lives but under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, every effort is being made to support affected families.
Reaffirming GoI’s commitment to complete rehabilitation, he said ex-gratia relief, compensation, and employment to next of kin have already been provided. Under Security Related Expenditure and central schemes, more than Rs 10 crore has been released to affected house owners in Poonch. He added that injured persons too have been extended financial support and all families’ rights are being ensured.
The LG said that a natural calamity shortly after the shelling added to the hardships of the region. To ensure dignified rehabilitation, the government has approved 1,500 new houses—1,250 in Jammu and 250 in Kashmir—with a budget of Rs 13.80 crore, and a six-month completion deadline. These prefabricated three-bedroom smart houses will include cowsheds, provision for solar panels in the second phase, and five-year maintenance by HRDS India. Projects in Poonch and Rajouri will cost Rs 51 crore, entirely borne by HRDS India.
He directed the district administration to ensure inclusion of all genuine beneficiaries, adding there is no cap on the number of houses. Calling welfare of the economically weak “the greatest service,” he said the people of Poonch and Rajouri suffered decades of neglect but are now witnessing real development.
On border security, the LG said 1,125 bunkers have been completed in Poonch and 5,693 more proposed, while 2,923 bunkers have been built in Rajouri. He noted that 19 NoKs in Rajouri and 9 in Poonch have been given government jobs, with instructions to identify remaining eligible families.
Highlighting major development works, he said road connectivity and higher education infrastructure have seen major improvement, including 29 road projects, 9 bridges, and the upcoming Jammu University Institute of Science & Technology. National Highway and tunnel projects, he added, will transform the region’s socio-economic landscape.
“Progress of Poonch has always been a priority. Despite challenges, the people have displayed unmatched courage, and the nation salutes them,” he said.
