Jammu, Mar 4: Development work is in full swing in 119 villages of Jammu and Kashmir under the Prime Minister's Reconstruction Programme that aims to convert these villages into model villages.

There are 119 blocks in the State and one village from each block has been selected as a model village.

People in the model villages are happy, as they know that it would translate into better living conditions.

In Bri Kamala village, people are rejoicing since they have been provided with better roads, lighting facilities and a shopping complex under the programme.

"Earlier during the rainy season, the roads turned muddy, but now they have improved. Proper lighting arrangements have been made. There is a lot of improvement," said Gurdas Mal, a villager.

The block development officer says that most of the work in this area has already been completed and very soon villagers will have lot of facilities.

"Brik Kamila has been selected as one of the model villages. 99 per cent of the work has been completed here. We just need to lend finishing touches. The work was completed last year," said Mohammed Yusuf Malik, Block Development Officer.

Once the programme is completely implemented, school children will also be able to gather information on the Internet and enjoy their evenings in the park.

Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh had announced the programme in 2004 that has paved the way for infrastructure development in Jammu and Kashmir.

The government claims that 90 per cent of the work will be completed by March 2008. An investment of around Rs 125 crore has been made to implement this plan. (ANI)