Jammu and Kashmir to encourage Kashmiri Pandits to return to their homes

Srinagar, Sep 16 : A high-level apex committee has been constituted by the Jammu and Kashmir Government to monitor the return of Kashmiri Pandit migrants to the Kashmir valley.

The 37-member committee, headed by the Minister for Revenue, Raman Bhalla will also oversee effective implementation of the Rs 1,618 crore Prime Minister’s package, already announced for their return.

The committee will have members from almost all migrant organizations, besides the ministers and top senior government officials.

An official spokesman said here late last night that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, in his package has announced Rs 7.5 lakh financial assistance to any family which would undertake renovation or reconstruction of their houses, located in the valley.

They will be given accommodation by the government till they complete their re-construction of their houses.

In case, any family would like to stay in their chosen rented accommodation, the rent will be reimbursed by the government.

For families who have sold their houses to farm cooperative societies, each member of the family in the society would be given financial assistance of Rs 7.5 lakh for purchase of land and construction of their house.

The Prime Minister, in his package has also announced 6,000 government jobs for Kashmiri pandits in the valley, 3000 of which would be given by the state government out of available vacancies.

Salaries of other 3,000 jobs would be be borne by the Central government initially.

All Kashmiri pandit migrants who return to the valley, would continue to get the relief for two years as per already announced package.

Their children would also be given a monthly stipend.

The package also provides relief for those migrant pandits who have horticulture and agriculture lands and desire to revive the same. They would be given Rs 1.50 lakh for the purpose.

Those migrants who have raised loans prior to 1989, would be given interest waiver facility.

The transit accommodation has already been identified for migrant Kashmiri pandits who would desire to return to the valley in Anantnag, Kulgam and Baramulla.

Two transit accommodations have already been built up in Sheikhpora (Budgam) and Mattan in Anantnag districts.

The committee would monitor implementation of all these schemes and would also take appropriate measures in this direction.

The committee, after deliberations would also put forward further suggestions and recommendations which it would deem fit for the smooth return of Kashmiri pandits to the valley.