4,128 of 6,000 Transit Flats Completed for Kashmiri Migrants; Remaining to be Ready by September | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: Out of 6,000 transit accommodation flats planned for migrant employees in Kashmir, 4,128 have already been completed, while the remaining 1,872 flats are scheduled for completion in phases by September this year, officials said during a high-level review meeting chaired by Atal Dulloo.

The meeting reviewed the progress of welfare measures for the rehabilitation and resettlement of migrant populations in Jammu and Kashmir, including Kashmiri Pandits, West Pakistani refugees and displaced persons from Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. It was convened by the Department of Disaster Management Relief Rehabilitation and Reconstruction.

According to officials, the transit accommodations are being developed across several districts of the Kashmir Valley for migrant employees recruited under the relief package. The Chief Secretary directed executing agencies to ensure the projects are completed within the stipulated timelines and equipped with all necessary facilities.

The meeting also reviewed the implementation of the Prime Minister’s Development Package 2015, which includes employment and housing support for Kashmiri migrants.

Officials informed the meeting that 584 additional flats are expected to be completed by the end of March, 832 by June and 456 by September, completing the remaining housing units planned under the project.

The review also covered other welfare initiatives, including inclusion of migrant families in the National Food Security Act database, extension of health coverage through the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, and financial assistance for repair and maintenance of migrant dwelling units in Jammu.

Officials said about 25,000 applications from ration card holders have been received for inclusion in the NFSA database, and the process is being expedited with additional manpower to complete it before April.

The meeting was also informed that a two-storey community hall at Jagti migrant township is about 90 percent complete, while the PoJK Bhawan complex, comprising an administrative block, amphitheatre and Balidan Stambh, is expected to be completed by January next year.

Land has also been identified at Purkhoo in Jammu for construction of additional flats for migrant families.

The Chief Secretary stressed the need for effective grievance redressal mechanisms and directed deputy commissioners to ensure timely disposal of complaints filed by migrants on the dedicated portal regarding immovable properties and assets left behind in the Valley.

Senior officials from several departments, including finance, housing, power development, law and revenue, attended the meeting, while the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir and district deputy commissioners joined through video conference.