11/09/2025
LG Manoj Sinha Rolls Out 1,500 Free Smart Homes for J&K’s Most Affected Families
Srinagar, 11 September:
A major relief initiative for Jammu & Kashmir was unveiled today as Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha announced the construction of 1,500 modern three-bedroom “Smart Homes” — absolutely free of cost — for families devastated by Operation Sindoor, recent floods and terror violence.
The landmark project, being implemented with HRDS India (High-range Rural Development Society), is designed to give not just shelter but dignity, stability and a fresh start to the worst-hit households across the Union Territory.
At a MoU-signing ceremony held at Raj Bhawan, HRDS India formally partnered with the Divisional Commissioners of Jammu and Kashmir for rebuilding houses destroyed in calamities and conflict.
“Construction of houses is more than just putting up structures. It is about building dreams, a fresh start and a new chapter in the lives of affected families,” the Lieutenant Governor said, calling the move a reflection of his vision to safeguard the future of victims of natural disasters and unprovoked shelling.
Key Features of the Initiative
• 1,500 Free 3-Bedroom Smart Homes with modern features for comfort and safety.
• 15-Year Life Insurance Cover for all family members.
• Monthly Health Check-Ups at each beneficiary home.
• Free Internet Access (in collaboration with BSNL) to support education, communication and digital inclusion.
• Awareness & Outreach: Trained HRDS volunteers to visit each household monthly, sharing information on new government schemes and conducting free sessions on health, education, hygiene and preventive care.
• Repainting Every Five Years at no cost to the beneficiaries.
Present at the MoU signing were Dr. Mandeep K. Bhandari (Principal Secretary to LG), Ramesh Kumar (Divisional Commissioner Jammu), Anshul Garg (Divisional Commissioner Kashmir), and senior leadership from HRDS India including Founder-Secretary Aji Krishnan, Administrator Saritha P Menon, Director (Corporate Sponsorship) Swaraj Kumar G. and Chairman (Global Initiatives) Sanjeev Bhatnagar.
This initiative is expected to become one of the largest free-housing projects ever taken up for victims of terror and disasters in Jammu & Kashmir offering not just roofs but a renewed sense of hope.