Rs 1,600 crore financial package for Kashmiri migrants sanctioned

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir government today said a Rs 1,600 crore financial package has been sanctioned for the return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri migrants.

"The Centre and state government have sanctioned a package of Rs 1,618.40 crore for return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri migrants," Minister of State for Revenue Nasir Aslam Wani told the Legislative Council.

He said 3,000 posts for migrant pandits were created and separate rules notified. Besides, 2,148 appointment orders were issued against which 1,441 candidates joined.

Wani said the government has referred 1,554 unfilled posts to the Service Selection Board and Relief Commissioner for selection.

Regarding the remaining 3000 posts to be funded by the state government, the matter has been taken up with Union Home Ministry.

He said 505 transit accommodation units have been constructed in Kashmir Valley for members of Pandit community.

The Minister also informed the House that four cases of violation of revenue laws were pending with Tehsildar Samba and 15 cases in Jammu district.

He said instructions have been issued to field functionaries of the Revenue Department to take appropriate legal action to stop illegal construction on such land within the existing legal frame work.