Baramulla, Oct 17: In a noteworthy development, the lives of numerous landless families in North Kashmir’s Baramulla district are experiencing a transformative change through the recent allocation of 5 marla land under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Gramin (PMAY-G) program by the Union Territory government.
A revenue official in Baramulla stated that this initiative aligns with the visionary housing program of the Jammu and Kashmir UT Administration. The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) in Baramulla has distributed 5 marla land to recipients who were previously landless.
The beneficiaries received sanction orders for 5 marlas of land from the Additional District Development Commissioner, Aijaz Abdullah Saraf, and the Assistant Commissioner Revenue, Peerzada Mumtaz Ahmad.
Ghulam Rasool Ganaie, a resident of Chak Seeri Pattan, expressed his joy, considering it akin to witnessing a miracle. His family of six, previously cramped in a single room with five brothers, now has the prospect of owning 5 marla land. Ghulam Rasool, who made a living by tending to other people’s cattle, considered this an incredible gift. He thanked the UT administration and Prime Minister Modi for launching such a beneficial program.
“Earlier governments never thought of landless people in Jammu and Kashmir, but the current government of Prime Minister Modi has fulfilled the promises. We can now dream of a better future under a roof. My children can call it a home,” he added.
Muhammad Sultan Dar, another landless beneficiary from Rakhi Hygam Sopore, was one of the fortunate five who received a 5 marla parcel of land under the PMAY-G program. His family of six had been residing in a tin shed, and his primary source of income was hard labor. Muhammad Sultan expressed his happiness, describing it as an “Eid day” for them, offering them the opportunity to own land and build a house. Sultan highlighted the severe challenges his family faced during the years in the tin shed, making it feel like “living in hell.” The LG administration’s initiatives have brought hope for a better life and a brighter future for their children.
Pertinent mentioning here, under the PMAY-G initiative, individuals qualify as landless if they hold Jammu and Kashmir domicile, have a separate family, lack land in their name or in any family member’s name, and are not entitled to inherit 5 marla or more of land.
Official records show that the Baramulla district administration has received around 111 applications seeking benefits under the recently announced scheme by the LG administration. Currently, 5 marla land has been allotted to five residents in the Baramulla district, with 3 from Rakhi Hygam and 2 from Pattan.
Mumtaz Ahmad, the Assistant Commissioner Revenue Baramulla, assured that applications from other individuals are undergoing scrutiny, adhering to the scheme’s guidelines. “If the applications meet the criteria, the individuals will be allocated the 5 Marla land.”
The PMAY-G program signifies new beginnings and brighter futures for these landless families, acting as a beacon of hope towards a more inclusive and empowered future for all.
