By EoK News Desk
Srinagar, September 11: The High-range Rural Development Society (HRDS India) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Divisional Commissioner Jammu and Divisional Commissioner Kashmir for building houses damaged during Operation Sindoor and recent floods in Jammu Kashmir.
It is the initiative of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and reflects his vision of empowering and safeguarding the future of those affected by natural calamities and unprovoked shelling on civilian population by the enemy.
The Lieutenant Governor presided over the MoU signing ceremony at Raj Bhawan. He lauded the noble endeavour of the HRDS India.
HRDS India will build 1500 free houses across the UT. These 3-bedroom houses will be designed and delivered as a “Smart House”, incorporating modern features for comfort and safety.
“Construction of houses is more than just putting up structure. It is about building dreams, a fresh start and a new chapter in lives of affected families. Human losses are so profound and devastating that they can’t be measured but this initiative will definitely ease their suffering,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
Under the initiative, the HRDS India and Divisional Commissioners of both the divisions will also identify terror victim families whose houses were destroyed by the terrorists. Besides, 15-year life insurance coverage to all family members, HRDS India will ensure monthly health check-ups and digital connectivity for every house.
As part of its extended commitment, HRDS India, in collaboration with BSNL, will provide free internet access to all beneficiary households to support education, communication, and digital inclusion.
The trained HRDS India volunteers will visit each beneficiary household monthly to disseminate information about new government schemes relevant to the beneficiaries. They will conduct free awareness sessions on health, education, hygiene, and preventive care.
HRDS India will also undertake repainting of each beneficiary house every five years, at no cost to the beneficiaries.
Dr Mandeep K. Bhandari, Principal Secretary to Lieutenant Governor; Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Anshul Garg, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Aji Krishnan, Founder – Secretary, HRDS India; Ms Saritha P Menon, Administrator; Swaraj Kumar G., Director Corporate Sponsorship and Sanjeev Bhatnagar, Chairman Global Initiatives, HRDS India were present during the MoU Signing ceremony.