“You should come up with a note on the subject as early as possible for the clearance of the Cabinet so that the same would be presented to the Governor for promulgation of the Ordinance accordingly”, he told the department adding that the Bill in this regard would be tabled in the next session of the legislature in Srinagar subsequently.
Chairing the meeting of Apex Advisory Committee for Kashmiri Migrants here, the Chief Minister also directed for setting in motion the process of creation of additional 3000 posts for Kashmiri migrant students. He stressed on early action in this regard and asked for status of any waiting list of candidates who had appeared for the posts already advertised and filled up.
The Chief Minister said that the posts fallen vacant due to de-reservation and those left unfilled out of the 3000 vacancies advertised along with any waiting list of applicants with recruitment agency should be ascertained early. “I want complete details in shortest possible time in this regard”, he directed the Revenue Department stressing on early filling up of the vacant posts.
Omar Abdullah said that the students who were eligible at the time of announcing of the employment package in 2008 but could not avail the opportunity for delay in the implementation of the package till 2010 for attaining overage during this intervening period should not have been ordinarily de-barred for applying for the posts announced. “To provide them relief of age relaxation, the Revenue and Rehabilitation Department should come up with a proposal for clearance by the government”, the Chief Minister directed.
On enhancement of Cash Relief to the Migrants, the Chief Minister said that he has already taken up this issue with the Union Government. “I have discussed this issue with the Prime Minister, Home Minister and other concerned. I am hopeful that a positive decision will come in this regard”, he said adding that during the Chief Minister’s Conference at New Delhi, he talked about this issue with the Prime Minister at the sidelines of the Conference and underlined its necessity.
The Chief Minister directed the Revenue and Rehabilitation Department to formulate a proposal for enhancement of financial assistance to migrant family for construction of residential house in the Valley from present Rs. 7.50 lakh to a reasonable amount. “We know that the return of migrants call for a good residential accommodation for them in the Valley as such, those who want to return should get suitable financial assistance to build their houses in Valley”, he said adding that the proposal would be discussed and cleared by the Cabinet and the issue taken up with the Centre Government accordingly.
Omar Abdullah said that those migrants who have obtained service in the valley and returned back would like to reside in their own houses as such; the financial assistance for purchase or construction of house should be substantial for them. He said that the State Government would vehemently advocate this aspect with the Centre Government at the highest level.
The Chief Minister said that the security scenario has positively changed to a large extent in the Valley and the sense of security has received considerable fillip during last some years. “The return of about 1500 migrant youth to Valley in connection with employment and their residing and working with majority community has further boosted the confidence”, he said emphasizing the need for its further cementing.
The Chief Minister directed the Revenue Department to start 'Kashmir Darshan’ tour programme for migrant students adding that the priority in the selection should be given to those who are visiting the Valley for the first time in their life. “This would help them to interact with the students, know about the pluralistic ethos, cultural diversity and heritage of Kashmiriat as also relish the scenic splendour of the Valley”, he said.
Taking a dig on those who indulge in doing politics even with welfare affairs of migrants, Omar Abdullah said that the Apex Advisory Committee is an apolitical body associated with rehabilitation and welfare of migrants. “We are discussing important issues relating to the overall benefit of the migrants and their futuristic growth and development. Any view presented here is pondered upon and discussed threadbare. I do not see any reason for those who choose to remain away from such important deliberations”, he said adding that government is always open to suggestions, viewpoints and concrete proposals aimed at facilitating rehabilitation, welfare and return of Kashmiri migrants amicably back to Valley.
The meeting decided that those members who remain absent from two consecutive meetings of the Apex Advisory Committee will cease to be its members.
Speaking in the meeting, Minister for Revenue and Rehabilitation, Raman Bhalla appreciated Kashmiri Muslim brethren for wholeheartedly welcoming the return of Kashmiri migrants back to the Valley.
He said their gesture and help in accommodating and welcoming the migrant employee in the Valley is worth mentioning and praise worthy.
The Minister explained the measures government has taken for rehabilitation, welfare and return of Kashmiri migrants. He expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for taking keen interest in this regard and monitoring the PM’s package for Kashmiri migrants. He also lauded the Union Government for extending liberal help to the State in this direction. He underlined the role of Prime Minister and UPA Chairperson and extended his gratitude to them.
Raman Bhalla said that various steps are afoot to mitigate the problems of migrants and ensure their proper rehabilitation. He also favoured the enhancement of cash relief to migrants and financial assistance for construction of houses in the Valley.
Minister of State for Home, Nasir Aslam Wani, Legislator, Vijay Bakaya, Chairperson, Advisory Board for Social Welfare, Khem Lata Wakhloo, Chief Secretary, Madhav Lal, Principal Secretaries Mohammad Iqbal Khandey and B. B. Vyas, Divisional Commissioners, Kashmir and Jammu, Commissioner Secretary Revenue, B. A. Runiyal, Secretary General Administration Department and various senior officers besides Members of Apex Advisory Committee were present in the meeting.
In a PowerPoint presentation, Commissioner Secretary Revenue, B. A. Runiyal said that out of over 2100 migrant youth selected for employment in various departments 1446 have joined in the Valley. He said that transit accommodation is presently being utilized by these employees at various places.
He said that those migrants who are registered under relief category will continue to receive relief for two years after their return to Valley. Their school going children will be entitled for a scholarship of Rs. 750 per month. The migrant who wish to return and want to set up income generating units will be entitled for a cash assistance of Rs. 5 lakhs. Of which Rs. 2.50 lakhs will be as subsidy and the rest recoverable in easy installments.
The migrants will be entitled to cash assistance for re-cultivation of agriculture and horticulture land up to Rs. 1 lakh and Rs. 1.50 lakh respectively. Those migrants who had loan outstanding as on 01.01.1990 shall be entitled for waiver of interest.
The Chief Minister directed for a proposal to enhance this assistance to a degree possible to facilitate return of migrants.
The Apex Advisory Committee lauded the seriousness and dynamism of Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah for path breaking initiative in the shape of employment package to the Kashmiri migrants for their return back to the Valley. “The earmarking of 6000 posts by the Centre and State Governments in equal shares for the migrant youth and keenness of Omar-led coalition government to ensure enhancement of cash relief and financial assistance for building of houses are initiatives in right direction with meaningful purpose”, the Members maintained.
They also appreciated the Muslims of the Valley for extending wholehearted welcome to their return to the Valley and providing every support to the migrant employees who have joined service there. They also supported the intention of State government for issuance of Ordinance relating to the management and protection of temples in valley. They also thanked the Omar Abdullah for supporting enhancement of cash relief and other assistances to migrants.
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