JNM journalist Hardeep Jamwal, Jammu
Several important decisions were approved at the cabinet meeting held in Jammu and Kashmir on Friday. The meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, at the Civil Secretariat, approved several important proposals related to the general public, health services, and administration.
The cabinet approved an 18 percent increase in fares for public passenger vehicles. Additionally, the creation of 136 new posts of professors and associate professors in medical colleges, revisions to the salaries and allowances of dignitaries, and several administrative decisions were also taken.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, Social Welfare Minister Sakina Itoo, Forest and Environment Minister Javed Ahmed Rana, Agriculture Minister Javed Ahmed Dar, Food Supply Minister Satish Sharma, and Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo were present at the meeting.
All proposals passed by the cabinet will now be sent to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha for approval. These decisions will be implemented only after the Lieutenant Governor’s approval.
18 Percent Increase in Bus Fares
The Cabinet approved a proposal from the Transport Department recommending an 18 percent increase in fares for commercial passenger vehicles. The last fare change in Jammu and Kashmir was in 2021.
According to the Transport Department, various transport associations had demanded a fare increase of up to 40 percent. However, considering the additional burden on the general public, the government approved only an 18 percent increase.
Creation of 136 Posts in Medical Colleges
To strengthen healthcare services, a total of 136 Professor and Associate Professor positions will be created at Government Medical College Jammu and Government Medical College Srinagar.
These positions include 10 and 17 Professor positions in Jammu and Srinagar, and 36 and 73 Associate Professor positions in Srinagar. The creation of these positions will cost the government approximately ₹17 crore annually.
PG seats will also increase
The creation of new posts will also increase the number of PG seats in medical colleges by 158, which will boost medical education in the state and help address the shortage of specialist doctors.
Common Real Estate Appellate Tribunal for Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh
The Cabinet also decided that instead of creating a separate Real Estate Appellate Tribunal for Ladakh, the services of the existing tribunal in Jammu and Kashmir will be expanded.
This decision was taken on the advice of the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, as real estate activity in Ladakh is limited.
Promotions for Officers
The meeting also agreed to promote Abdul Majeed Tak, Joint Director of the Fisheries Department, to the post of Director of Fisheries Department and to grant a special pay scale to Rajesh Kumar Basotra, an Administrative Service officer.
Amendments to the salaries and allowances of dignitaries
The Cabinet also approved a proposal to amend the rules regarding travel allowance, dearness allowance, health care, vehicle, and home loans for members of the Legislative Assembly, ministers, the Speaker, and the Deputy Speaker.
If approved by the Lieutenant Governor, the salaries and other allowances of dignitaries will increase.
The government states that these decisions will strengthen the health and administrative systems and also address long-pending demands in the transportation sector.
