PMAY and MNREGA Transform Lives in Dhangri Block, Rajouri

The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) and Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) have brought significant improvements to the lives of Dhangri block residents in Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir, providing concrete houses and steady employment, thus alleviating migration issues and frequent house repairs.

The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) and the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) have ushered in substantial relief for residents of Dhangri block in Rajouri district, Jammu and Kashmir. Locals have benefited from receiving 'Pucca' houses under PMAY, and consistent employment opportunities under MNREGA, reducing migration and frequent maintenance woes of 'Kaccha' houses.

Shafiq Ahmad, a resident of Dhangri block, praised the initiatives, saying, 'Government has done good work. People have received houses under PMAY and roads have also been constructed.' Sushama Devi, another local, echoed the sentiment, stating, 'Our house used to be 'Kaccha' and now it's 'Pucca'. Earlier, water would seep in; now we have relief, and other houses are also being built.'

Another resident highlighted the impact of the MNREGA scheme. 'Previously there was widespread unemployment, but now people have work to do under MNREGA.' Expressing gratitude for the 'Pucca' houses, a Dhagri block resident said, 'We are thankful to the government for our new house, which has alleviated the leaking issues previously faced with 'Kaccha' houses. Many houses are already built, and others are under construction.'

Gram Rojgar Sevak Mohd Rashid underscored the success of both schemes, noting that since 2018, 80% of sanctioned houses in the Panchayat have been completed, ensuring direct benefits for the residents. He emphasized that the local populace is reaping substantial benefits from PMAY and MNREGA.

Launched in April 2016 as part of the government's Housing for All initiative, PMAY-G aims to replace 'Kaccha' houses in villages with concrete structures. MNREGA, passed in September 2005 and implemented in February 2006, ensures at least 100 days of paid work annually for rural households.

(With inputs from agencies.)