Srinagar, 28 April (H.S.): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday heaped praises on Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan during the launch of new rural development projects at SKICC in Srinagar, calling him a “true friend and well-wisher” of the union territory.

Earlier, Chouhan launched 330 new road projects worth Rs 3,550 under the phase IV of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-IV (PMGSY), aiming to cover 1,600 kilometres in the region. These roads will benefit 363 remote habitations in Jammu and Kashmir, a government statement said.

Referring to Chouhan as ‘mama’, an affectionate tag given by the people of Madhya Pradesh, the chief minister said that his government will ensure that the funds are used judiciously.

“Our government has been in power for one and a half years now. You have repeatedly proven that you are not just a friend, but also a well-wisher of Jammu and Kashmir. The people of MP are not wrong in calling you ‘mama’,” Abdullah said at a function here.

Abdullah said he does not feel like asking for more funds at the moment, as Jammu and Kashmir were granted projects worth Rs 8,000 crore in the past one year under the PMGSY.

“I assure you, we will start work on the approved projects in the next couple of months. When you are satisfied with the works, (deputy chief minister) Surinder Choudhary and I will come back to you for approval of more projects,” he added.

The chief minister said road connectivity significantly transforms the lives of people living in remote areas as it helps them to access education, healthcare and jobs.

“A journey that used to take hours has now been made easier by having access to a motorable road. Tourists come here to see the cities and towns, but our hearts beat for the villages,” he added.

Abdullah said the assistance from the Rural Development ministry will help in realising the dream of ‘Viksit Jammu and Kashmir’ and ‘Viksit Bharat’.

“I want to assure you that we will use the funds judiciously so that the people of Jammu and Kashmir reap benefits,” he said.

Earlier, Chouhan said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Centre is committed to going beyond announcements and delivering tangible development on the ground.

He emphasised that the focus is on ensuring that roads, services and other facilities reach even the remotest villages.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar