JAMMU, Feb 4: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday said that fresh registrations under the Kashmir migrant relief assistance scheme are currently not being considered due to the improved law and order situation in the Valley.
He said the Prime Minister’s Return and Rehabilitation Package for Kashmiri Migrants focuses on enabling their voluntary, safe and dignified return, while ensuring socio-economic security through housing, employment and other support measures.
Replying to a written question by National Conference MLA Mubarak Gul in the Assembly, Abdullah said that the matter of fresh registrations was reviewed in a meeting chaired by the Chief Secretary on July 12, 2023. “It was observed that the improved situation in the Valley does not justify fresh registrations at this stage,” he said.
Abdullah added that a proposal to enhance the existing migrant relief assistance, keeping in view 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 will take a final call on the issue.
The Chief Minister said the Prime Minister’s comprehensive Return and Rehabilitation Package, announced in 2009 with an outlay of Rs 1,618.40 crore, provides a broad framework for restoring livelihoods, housing, education and financial security for the migrant community.
He said the package includes residential support for migrant families, transit accommodation for employees appointed under the scheme, continuation of monthly cash relief to registered migrants, scholarships for students, employment opportunities, assistance to agriculturists and horticulturists, and interest waiver on loans.
Abdullah said that 3,000 posts were sanctioned under the Prime Minister’s Rehabilitation Package in 2009, followed by another 3,000 posts under the Prime Minister’s Development Package in 2015, taking the total to 6,000 posts for migrant youth. Of these, appointment orders have been issued to 5,896 candidates, achieving over 98 per cent coverage, while the remaining posts are at different stages of recruitment.
On transit accommodation, he said the Centre approved the construction of 6,000 units across various districts of the Valley in December 2015. Of these, 4,096 flats had been completed by December 2025, while the remaining 1,904 units are under construction and expected to be completed during the 2026–27 financial year. So far, 3,250 completed flats have been allotted to eligible employees.
The Chief Minister said there is no proposal to set up additional migrant transit camps in the Valley, as the existing 6,000 units being developed at 20 locations are sufficient to meet the residential needs of migrant employees. (Agencies)
