SRINAGAR, Sept. 11 — In a move aimed at providing relief to families devastated by natural disasters and terrorism, the High-range Rural Development Society (HRDS India) on Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Divisional Commissioners of Jammu and Kashmir to construct 1,500 free houses across the Union Territory.
The initiative, presided over by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha at Raj Bhawan, will benefit families affected during Operation Sindoor, the recent floods, and those who lost homes in terror attacks or cross-border shelling. “Construction of houses is more than just putting up a structure. It is about building dreams, a fresh start and a new chapter in the lives of affected families,” Sinha said. “Human losses are so profound and devastating that they can’t be measured, but this initiative will definitely ease their suffering.”
HRDS India announced that each three-bedroom “Smart House” will feature modern amenities for comfort, safety, and digital access. Alongside housing, the package includes 15 years of life insurance coverage for family members, monthly health check-ups, and digital connectivity.
To support digital inclusion, HRDS India will provide free internet in collaboration with BSNL, enabling children to continue education and families to stay connected. Trained volunteers will make monthly visits to each household to spread awareness of government schemes and conduct sessions on health, hygiene, and preventive care.
The organization also pledged to repaint every beneficiary house once every five years, at no cost to the families.
“The initiative reflects the Lieutenant Governor’s vision of empowering and safeguarding the future of those affected by natural calamities and unprovoked enemy shelling on civilians,” officials said.
During the ceremony, Sinha commended HRDS India for what he described as a “noble endeavor” to bring security and dignity to affected households.
Present at the signing were Dr. Mandeep K. Bhandari, Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor; Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Anshul Garg, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Aji Krishnan, Founder-Secretary of HRDS India; Saritha P. Menon, Administrator; Swaraj Kumar G., Director of Corporate Sponsorship; and Sanjeev Bhatnagar, Chairman of Global Initiatives at HRDS India.
