Lays foundation for 350 houses worth Rs 35 crore
Jammu Tawi, Dec 8: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has ensured sustained attention to the development of Jammu region, enabling the city of temples to emerge as a modern and inclusive urban centre.
The LG made the remarks after laying the foundation stone for new houses to be built for families affected by recent natural calamities and unprovoked Pakistani shelling during Operation Sindoor. He said Jammu has witnessed significant change over the past few years, driven by strengthened infrastructure, improved public services and active public participation.
LG Sinha said that Prime Minister Modi has prioritised connectivity, health infrastructure, tourism and urban renewal in Jammu, ensuring a focused developmental push. He added that Union Home Minister Amit Shah personally visited the affected areas, met victim families, reviewed damage and assured all possible support from the Centre.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to people living in vulnerable border belts, the LG said the administration continues to stand firmly with them. He thanked HRDS-India for supporting affected families and announced that 350 pre-fabricated three-bedroom Smart Houses will be constructed in Jammu district at a cost of ₹35 crore, fully funded by the High-range Rural Development Society (HRDS India).
“Not a single rupee is being spent from the government treasury for these houses,” he said. Construction is expected to be completed within six months. The houses will be efficient, resilient and equipped with modern facilities, including cowsheds. HRDS India will also provide a welfare package to beneficiary families, including free life insurance for 15 years, annual health checkups, and five-year maintenance of houses.
The LG said his administration remains committed to improving the lives of the poor. Over the past five years, lakhs of underprivileged individuals have benefited as infrastructure in backward regions has been upgraded. He said Jammu is witnessing unprecedented growth and the government is striving to develop it into an inclusive urban centre that ensures poverty alleviation, social justice and equal opportunities.
He added that a new era of accelerated economic development has begun, with rapid project completion strengthening urban infrastructure, mobility, civic facilities and overall aesthetics. The LG praised the coordination shown by the district administration, police, army, CAPFs, disaster response forces, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board and volunteers during relief efforts following the recent calamity.
LG Sinha said 4,309 beneficiaries in Jammu district received assistance, with ₹8.22 crore disbursed as compensation. Ex-gratia and a government job were provided to the next of kin of a civilian killed during unprovoked Pakistani firing under Operation Sindoor.
He also interacted with beneficiaries and reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to complete rehabilitation.
