JK News Today
Jammu, December 27: It was on April 25, 2008 when then Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh announced slew of measures for rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandit migrants in his historic speech at Akhnoor.
“There is a longstanding tradition in the State of Jammu and Kashmir of people of different faiths living together in peace and harmony. The unfortunate events of the last two decades forced more than 55,000 families to migrate from their homes in the Kashmir Valley. We have a collective responsibility to facilitate the return of these families, who are an integral part of the social fabric of the area.
When they left the State, many migrant families had to engage in distress sale of their houses and properties in the Valley. The State Government is being requested to identify land for group housing societies of such families. The Government proposes to give these migrant families who opt to return to the Valley a lump sum grant of
Rs. 7.5 lakh to build or buy homes through such societies.
It has been decided to give a similar lump sum grant to migrant families whose houses have been fully or partially damaged or dilapidated. We will assist with transit accommodation and start-up expenses.
It has been decided that the monthly relief being presently given to 15,000 displaced families in Jammu and Delhi will be continued for those families who may opt to return to the Valley for a period of two years to enable a smooth transition.
The Government will also provide assistance for education of children of migrant families through J&K Rehabilitation Council.
The State Government has proposed to provide 6000 jobs to the educated among migrant youth in the State government service. To assist the State Government in providing such employment opportunities, the Central Government will bear the cost towards salary for about 3000 youth till they are absorbed against regular posts in the State Government, within the specified time-frame.
The Government is considering a financial package for other unemployed youth from among the migrant community to help them engage in self-employment through vocational training.
The migrant families who are engaged in agriculture and horticulture would require assistance to renew their occupation in the field. We will provide lump-sum grants to those having agricultural holdings and for restoration of orchards where they have been lying abandoned.
We are examining the feasibility of waiving the interest on unpaid loans taken by Kashmiri migrants before their migration as part of a one time settlement package.
All these benefits will apply to all migrant families who migrated bag and baggage after 1989 and have not been able to return to the valley. We hope that these measures will go a long way in bringing these communities back home. They deserve to lead a life of dignity and honour in the land of their forefathers where they belong.”