 Early Times Report
Jammu, Apr 16: A one-day Block Level Workshop cum Awareness Programme on Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Gramin (PMAY-G) under Awaas Plus 2.0 was organized by the Department of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, District Jammu at Block Headquarters, Bhalwal (Oasis Farms, Baran). The workshop aimed to provide comprehensive insights into the scheme’s features, benefits, registration process, and implementation strategies, while fostering public engagement and transparency. The programme was jointly inaugurated by Shri Bharat Bhushan, Chairman, District Development Council Jammu, and Shri Sham Lal Sharma, Hon’ble MLA, Jammu North, in the presence of PRI representatives, panchayat members, field officials, PMAY-G beneficiaries, and surveyors from all 24 Panchayats of Block Bhalwal.
In his welcome address, Dr. Sunil Sharma, Block Development Officer Bhalwal, shared that 221 PMAY-G houses have been constructed in Block Bhalwal as of March 31, 2025, and 931 households have been surveyed under Awaas Plus 2.0 through the coordinated efforts of Panchayat Secretaries and Panchayat Account Assistants. He emphasized the role of data-driven governance and called for proactive community participation in the scheme.
Dr. Vikas Sharma, JKAS, Assistant Commissioner Development Jammu, presented a detailed overview of PMAY-G in District Jammu with a special focus on Block Bhalwal. He explained the operational aspects of the AwaasSoft platform, SECC-based eligibility criteria, the importance of timely registration under both self and assisted survey modes, and highlighted April 30, 2025 as the final date for registration. He commended the technical and administrative support provided by both the Central Government and the UT Administration in ensuring effective implementation.
Sham Lal Sharma, MLA Jammu North and Guest of Honour, congratulated the 221 beneficiaries who received assistance for house construction under PMAY-G and extended heartfelt thanks to Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji for launching such transformative schemes with significant financial outlays for rural housing. He emphasized the integration of housing with other flagship initiatives such as Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin), PM Ujjwala Yojana, and Jal Jeevan Mission under the larger umbrella of holistic rural development. He urged ex-PRI members to actively support the identification and verification process at the Panchayat level, ensuring no houseless household is left behind. Shri Sharma also praised the dedication of officers and officials of the Rural Development Department in achieving progress at the grassroots.
Further, Shri Sham Lal Sharma reiterated his unwavering commitment to rural empowerment through effective policy execution and local engagement. He stressed that real development begins at the village level, and initiatives like PMAY-G not only provide shelter but also restore dignity and a sense of security to economically weaker sections. He assured the gathering that his office will continue to facilitate coordination between public representatives and the administration to ensure no eligible family is excluded from the ambit of government welfare schemes. Bharat Bhushan, DDC Chairman Jammu and Chief Guest, lauded the Government of India’s initiative in providing pucca houses, toilets, and essential facilities to poor and marginalised families.
He appealed to PRI representatives to work closely with field functionaries for accurate identification of beneficiaries, and reiterated the crucial role of decentralized governance in delivering last-mile benefits. He also appreciated the community-driven format of the event and called for increased public participation.
A key highlight of the workshop was the experience-sharing session, where PMAY-G beneficiaries, surveyors, and ex-PRI members shared their experiences, challenges, and suggestions, describing the workshop as a highly effective platform for information dissemination and feedback. Participants welcomed the transparent registration process and interactive structure of the awareness drive. |
