Omar Says Migrant Relief Regn Unnecessary As Valley Improves

(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer) Jammu- Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday said that fresh cases for registration under Kashmir migrant relief assistance are not being entertained at present in view of the improved law and order situation in the valley.

He said that the Prime Minister's Return and Rehabilitation Package for Kashmiri Migrants is aimed at facilitating their voluntary, safe and dignified return to the valley while ensuring socio-economic security through housing, employment and other support measures.

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Replying to a written question by National Conference member Mubarak Gul in the Assembly, Abdullah said,“Fresh cases for registration under Kashmir migrant relief assistance are not being entertained at present. The issue was examined in a meeting chaired by the chief secretary on July 12, 2023, where it was observed that the improved law and order situation in the valley does not justify fresh registration at this stage.”

Abdullah said the proposal for enhancement of the existing migrant relief assistance, considering inflation and the rising cost of living, has been examined at the Union Territory level and taken up with the Ministry of Home Affairs, which is the competent authority to take a final decision on the matter.

The chief minister said the comprehensive Prime Minister's Return and Rehabilitation Package for Kashmiri Migrants was announced in 2009 with a financial outlay of Rs 1,618.40 crore. He said the scheme provides a holistic framework to restore livelihood, housing, education and financial security of the migrant community.

Detailing the components of the scheme, Abdullah said it includes provision of residential support for migrant families, construction of transit accommodation for employees appointed under the package, continuation of monthly cash relief to registered migrant families, student scholarships, employment opportunities, assistance to agriculturalists and horticulturalists, and waiver of interest on loans.

The chief minister said that to facilitate the return and rehabilitation, the Centre sanctioned 3,000 posts under the Prime Minister's Rehabilitation Package (PMRP) in 2009, followed by another 3,000 posts under the Prime Minister's Development Package (PMDP) in 2015, taking the total number of posts earmarked for migrant youth to 6,000.

“Against the sanctioned 6,000 posts, appointment orders have been issued to 5,896 candidates so far, achieving about 98.26 per cent coverage. The remaining 104 posts are at various stages of recruitment and selection,” he said, adding that the employment component has significantly contributed towards livelihood security and confidence-building among the migrant youth.

On transit accommodation, Abdullah said that the Centre sanctioned the construction of 6,000 transit accommodation units across various districts of the valley in December 2015 for migrant government employees appointed under the PM package.

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