In a significant stride towards enhancing the quality of life for the labour force, migrant workers, and the vulnerable sections of society in Jammu and Kashmir, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha inaugurated the affordable rental housing complex.
The complex, a part of the PMAY (Urban) Mission, was inaugurated at Sunjwan under the presence of esteemed officials, dignitaries, and beneficiaries.
Expressing his commitment to uplifting the living standards of the working community, Lieutenant Governor Sinha handed over accommodation unit keys to the beneficiaries, symbolizing a step towards empowering the labourers who play a pivotal role in propelling the growth of J&K.
“Workers are the main drivers of J&K’s growth and improving their quality of life is our ultimate aim. Today marks the beginning of a new era for the entire working community of the Union Territory,’’ he added.
The Affordable Rental Housing Complex aims to provide dignified living conditions for urban poor, migrant workers, and the weaker sections of society in proximity to their workplaces. This initiative is poised to create a sustainable housing ecosystem that prevents the proliferation of future slums and aligns with the vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan’ – India’s self-reliant mission.
Recognizing the integral role of the workforce in India’s economy, Lieutenant Governor Sinha reaffirmed the administration’s dedication to fostering vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive affordable rental housing options for urban migrants, the impoverished, and the working class.
“The labour force and workers are the backbone of our trade, business, and industries, making valuable contributions to building a strong and self-reliant J&K,” he emphasized.
He underscored the responsibility of safeguarding their interests and ensuring a high quality of life for their families.
At the inauguration, Lieutenant Governor Sinha highlighted the administration’s proactive measures in providing means of livelihood and enhancing the living standards of the workforce.
In less than 3 years, a huge number of self-employment opportunities have been created and we continue to focus on skilling of workers to meet the needs of economy and better quality employment, he said.
Principal Secretary of the Housing and Urban Development Department, Prashant Goyal, provided comprehensive insights into the Affordable Rental Housing Complex (ARHC) and other similar projects. Notably, today, a significant milestone was achieved as 192 flats out of the total 336 flats at Sunjwan, each available for an affordable rental of Rs 2200 per month, were handed over to beneficiaries. The remaining flats are slated for distribution by October this year.
The “Affordable Rental Housing Complex” initiative envisions providing rental housing to Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) and Low-Income Groups (LIG), including urban migrants, labourers, street vendors, rickshaw pullers, and others. This inclusive approach extends to industrial workers, migrants associated with trade and market associations, educational and health institutions, the hospitality sector, long-term tourists, visitors, students, and individuals from similar categories.
Rajinder Sharma, Mayor, JMC; Bharat Bhushan, Chairman District Development Council, Jammu; Mukesh Singh, ADGP Jammu; Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu; ULB representatives; senior officials and prominent citizens were present on the occasion.
