P M directs HRDS India to join hands with the Lieutenant Governor to wipe Kashmir’s tears; !

P M directs HRDS India to join hands with the Lieutenant Governor to wipe Kashmir’s tears; 1,500 smart homes to be built free for Pahalgam terror victims; MoU signed

Srinagar: The Government of Jammu & Kashmir has launched a landmark rehabilitation initiative to provide free housing for families affected by the Pahalgam terror attack, under the continued framework of Operation Sindhoor. A total of 1,500 smart houses will be constructed, marking the first project of its kind in the nation’s history.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed yesterday between the Government of Jammu & Kashmir and HRDS India, in the presence of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha at Raj Bhavan, Srinagar. The MoU was signed by Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar IAS and Additional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg IAS on behalf of the Government, and by Founder Secretary Aji Krishnan on behalf of HRDS India.

The initiative was conceptualized under the direction of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who entrusted HRDS India with its execution, with support from the Ministry of Defence under Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

The smart homes, each measuring 702 sq. ft. and comprising two floors with three bedrooms, will be equipped with modern facilities. The project will also provide:

• Free internet access (in collaboration with BSNL)

• Healthcare and educational awareness programs

• Sanitation and hygiene training

• Free repainting of homes every five years

• Volunteer visits to share government welfare schemes

• A 30-year guarantee for all homes

Beneficiaries will include families who lost their homes in the Pahalgam attack, next of kin of victims, families affected by terrorist attacks and armed conflicts since 1947, and those whose homes were destroyed in recent floods.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha described the initiative as “a model project reflecting the Prime Minister’s visionary leadership and opening new doors of humanity.”

"These three bedroom houses would be designed and delivered as 'smart houses', incorporating modern features for comfort and safety. Construction of houses is more than just putting up a structure. It is about building dreams, a fresh start, and a new chapter in thelives of affected families. Human losses are so profound and devastating that they can't be measured, but this initiative will ease their sufferings", L G Manoj Sinha Said.

"Construction is scheduled to commence within one month. Under the initiative, the HRDS India and Divisional Commissioners of both the Divisions would also identify terror victim families whose houses were destroyed by terrorists. Besides 15 year life insurance coverage to all family members, HRDS India would ensure monthlyhealth check-ups and digital connectivity for every house. As part of its extended commitment, HRDS India, in collaboration with BSNL, would provide free internet access to all beneficiary households to support education, communication and digital inclusion. The trained HRDS India volunteers would visit each beneficiary house hold monthly to disseminate information about new Government Schemes relevant to the beneficiaries. We would also conduct free awareness sessions on health, education, hygiene, and preventive care and undertake repainting of each beneficiary house every five years, atno cost to the beneficiaries", HRDS India Founder Secretary Aji Krishnan said.

For more than 30 years, HRDS India has been engaged in developmental work for marginalized and tribal communities, including successful free housing projects across 20 states. Founder Secretary Aji Krishnan affirmed that the organization’s experience in large-scale housing projects forms the foundation for this historic mission.

Photo Caption:

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha witnesses the signing of an MoU between the J&K Government and HRDS India to build 1,500 free homes for families affected by the Pahalgam terror attack. Principal Secretary to Governor Dr. Mandeep K. Bhandari, Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar IAS, Additional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg IAS, HRDS India Founder Secretary Aji Krishnan, HRDS India Administrator Sarita P. Menon, CSR Director G. Swaraj Kumar, and Global Initiatives Chairman Sanjeev Bhatnagar are also seen.