Govt. keen to see migrants return to valley: Ajaz

Jammu, February 19, (Scoop News)- Minister of State for Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation Ajaz Ahmed Khan replying to a Calling Attention Notice by Vijay Bakaya informed the House that the Union Government sanctioned an economic package of Rs. 1618.40 crore for the Return and Rehabilitation of Kashmiri Migrants to the Valley in 2008 which was also approved by the State Government for implementation in 2009.
The Minister said that in order to implement the package, applications were invited from the migrants desirous of returning to the Valley. Though 4898 families applied for return, only one family has returned so far. The families who applied did not pursue further in the matter.
The Minister added that under the package construction of transit accommodation was also started at Vessu, Hawal, Baramulla and Kupwara. He said 335 such transit units have been completed out of 495 taken in hand. In addition, to these units, 18 flats at Mattan and 200 flats at Sheikhpora are also available. This accommodation was to be used by such families who would return.
The Minister further informed that under the employment component of the package, 3000 posts were created in 2009 and separate rules were notified for making recruitment against these posts. So far, appointment orders have been issued in respect of 2184 candidates, out of which 1446 personnel have already joined in the different departments. As many as 826 posts which were reserved under various categories, have been de-reserved by making amendment in the J&K Reservation Act 2004. The issue of recruitment against the de-reserved posts along with other vacancies accrued due to non-joining of the candidates has been taken up with the Service Selection Board. The notifications for these aforementioned posts which included de-reserved vacancies as well as unfilled posts due to non joining of the selectees had been made by the recruiting agencies but the process was stalled owing to a status quo direction from the High Court in the matter. The stay order has now been vacated and the Service Selection Board has advertised the remaining 1443 posts and has recently recommended 22 candidates for the post of Junior Engineer and 6 candidates for the post of Draftsmen. Appointment orders in their favour have been issued. Besides the interview for selection of 111 Class-IV vacancies has been concluded and their appointment will be made shortly.
The Minister said that Government is keen that migrants should return but they cannot be forced for the same. It is expected that after the revised package which was approved by the State Cabinet and has been submitted to the Union Government for providing funds, there will be visible progress on ground and people may return.
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