Jammu: In a heartfelt outreach to the flood-affected people of Jammu and Kashmir, Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, on Friday assured unwavering support from the Central Government. Visiting the devastated border village of Badyal Brahmana in R S Pura, the Minister reaffirmed, “The central government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stands shoulder to shoulder with the people of J&K in this time of distress.”
With damage widespread across farmlands, homes, and infrastructure, Chouhan emphasized that the J&K government currently has access to Rs 2,499 crore under the disaster management fund, and urged its swift deployment to support relief operations. He added, “If more is needed, the Centre will step in without hesitation.”
Upon his arrival, the Minister personally visited the flood-ravaged fields, carefully observing the destroyed crops and listening to the voices of distressed farmers. Later, addressing a large gathering of flood-hit residents, Chouhan pledged immediate and long-term assistance—after proper assessments and coordination with local authorities.
The Minister confirmed that inter-ministerial teams from Home Affairs, Jal Shakti, Rural Development, and Agriculture had already surveyed the impacted zones and would be submitting reports to guide relief distribution.
Key announcements made by the Minister include:
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Immediate release of one PM-Kisan installment for affected farmers
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Additional 50 man-days under MGNREGA, raising the total to 150 days for workers in affected areas
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Compensation for domestic animals lost in the floods
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Rs 1.3 lakh for rebuilding each damaged home under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, including separate toilets
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Rs 76 crore for Self Help Groups that incurred losses during the floods
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Direction to the Mining Department to relax rules so that sand deposits on farmland can be utilized by the landowners
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Renovation of damaged canals and embankments with Central support
Later in Jammu city, Chouhan chaired a high-level review meeting with J&K officials and addressed the media, rolling out these key support measures while ensuring the Centre’s full cooperation.
