Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, on Tuesday handed over the sanction letter for projects approved under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY)-IV (Batch-II) for Jammu & Kashmir to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.

He launched 330 new road projects covering 1,600 km at a cost of Rs 3,550 crore under the Batch-II of the PMGSY. These roads will benefit 363 remote habitations in J&K.

An official statement said that a major sanction of over Rs 4,568.23 crore was also released under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) for 24 states and Union Territories.

The programme was attended by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, along with other senior officials.

Addressing the gathering, Chouhan said he had come to Jammu & Kashmir not in an official capacity alone but with a spirit of service. He added that the Government of India is committed not only to building roads but also to "connecting hearts," emphasising that both emotional and administrative support for the region remain open.

He noted that Jammu and Kashmir was prioritised in both phases of PMGSY-IV approvals, reflecting the Centre's continued focus on the region. Highlighting achievements, he said that road projects worth nearly Rs 8,000 crore were approved within a single year, calling it a historic milestone. He assured that further decisions would be taken as work progresses.

On women's empowerment, the Minister said the Rs 4,568.23 crore sanction under DAY-NRLM aims to strengthen women Self-Help Groups across the country. Addressing women in Jammu & Kashmir, he stated that the goal is not just to create "Lakhpati Didis" but to transform them into empowered entrepreneurs.