Hardeep Jamwal, JNM Journalist, Jammu
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary Atal Dullu has issued strict instructions to hand over all transit flats to ‘PM Package’ employees working in the Kashmir division by July. During a high-level meeting held in Srinagar, he clearly stated that all eligible employees must receive housing benefits without delay.
The meeting involved a detailed review of various issues, including transit accommodation, employee promotions, seniority lists, inter-district transfers, rehabilitation measures, and the welfare of displaced communities. Senior officials from various departments and the Relief Commissioner were also present.
3,257 Flats Allotted So Far
Relief Commissioner Dr. Arvind Karwani reported that out of the 6,000 transit flats sanctioned for PM Package employees, 4,648 are fully ready, while construction on 1,352 flats is ongoing. To date, 3,257 flats have been allotted to eligible employees; this figure includes 532 new allotments made following the previous review meeting held in March.
Review of Basic Amenities
The Chief Secretary also assessed the progress of basic amenities—such as electricity, drinking water, internal roads, boundary walls, and sewage treatment plants—alongside the construction of the flats. Plans for the operation and maintenance of migrant colonies and transit accommodations in Jammu were also discussed. Additionally, information was provided regarding the identification of land for expanding residential facilities in the Purkhu area of Jammu.
Discussion on Rehabilitation of Displaced Persons
Key issues concerning the rehabilitation of displaced communities were also deliberated upon. These included the settlement of pending cases under the rehabilitation assistance scheme, the provision of adequate budgetary support for the maintenance of migrant colonies, and the development of an integrated online portal to digitize records of Kashmiri Pandits, West Pakistan refugees, and displaced families from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Construction Work in Final Stages
Principal Secretary Chandrakar Bharti stated that a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the operation and maintenance of migrant colonies has been prepared, and work will commence once the necessary formalities are completed. He informed that the construction of the ‘Ghulam Kashmir Bhavan’ at Suketar is approximately 50 percent complete, with a target to finish it by January next year. Meanwhile, the community center at Jagti is nearly 90 percent ready.
The Chief Secretary directed all departments to expedite pending works through mutual coordination and ensure the prompt resolution of issues faced by PM Package employees and migrant families. He affirmed that the government is fully committed to the dignified rehabilitation of displaced communities.
