Jammu, April 09 (Scoop News) – Minister for Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation Raman Bhalla today said that Kashmiri migrants have exhibited great courage and patience even in most troubled times in the state and contributed tremendously in maintaining peace and tranquility during last two decades.
The Minister was addressing a large gathering at a religious function at Muthi Camp Base, organized by Swami Kumar Ji Geeta Satsang Ashram in connection with Yagnopavit Sanskar.
Lauding the role of the KP community in maintaining peace in the State, he said it was the most stupendous task for people who have to leave their homes and hearths just due to the nefarious designs of inhumane elements.
Bhalla said that Central Government has announced Prime Minister’s Package worth RS. 1618.41 crore for proper rehabilitation of KPs. He said that the Government was ceased with the problems of the displaced community and was making all out efforts for their honourable and dignified return to their homes and hearths in the Valley. He said that the UPA Government, led by Dr Manmohan Singh, has already taken various steps for ameliorating the lot of displaced people of Valley. The Kashmiri migrants return and employment package was the major step in this direction, he added.
The Minister said there was a discernible change in situation in the Valley and the Muslims extended full cooperation in welcoming the pandit youth who joined their jobs in Kashmir under PM’s employment package. He sought the cooperation of the community in making the return package a success.
Bhalla said that for the smooth implementation of the package, the amendment was made to recruitment rules by abolishing the word SC and ST for recruitment of migrants under PM’s package. The recruitment of 800 de-reserved and 700 non- joined posts would be made soon. Besides, the 3000 new posts under state sponsorship will be also advertised soon, he added.
The Minister said the Government has also recommended age relaxation to displaced youth under PM package and steps are afoot to enhance cash relief. He also said that the government was exploring the possibility of enhancing the grant of Rs 7.5 lakh under PM’s package for construction of houses back in valley to Rs. 20 lakh and a proposal in this regard has been submitted to centre for sanction.
Bhalla said for the protection of Hindu shrines and temples in valley instructions have been issued to all Deputy Commissioners to make inventory of all religious places of Hindus in Kashmir and this process will be completed soon.
After the puranahuti the devotees were served prashad.
Swami Kumar Ji gave religious discourses and highlighted the significance of Yagnopavit Sanakar among Hindus. Swami Ji said "Faith is the foundation of all virtues" and advised the children, for whom Samohik ‘Yagnopavit’ was held, to be obedient to their parents and teachers which was necessary to lead a prosperous and peaceful life.
On the occasion, Bhalla and others were felicitated by Swami Ji.
The function among others was attended by Advisor to Chief Minister, Mubarak Gul, Deputy Speaker, Sartaj Madni, MLC Vijay Bakaya, General Secretary PCC Migrant Cell, Hira Lal Pandita, Dr K L Choudhary, Dr R L Bhat, Kashmiri Lal, Dr Sushil Wattal, Kuldeep Raina, Dr Ramesh Bhat and trustees of Pt. Prem Nath Bhat Memorial Trust.
Speaking on the occasion, Gul praise the unity of the people which was exhibited in the Ashram and assured that the sentiments shown by the participants will leave an image towards better progress of the mankind and the nation. He assured the KPs that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is very keen for fulfill their all issues and their proper rehabilitation in Kashmir Valley.
A samohik Yagnopavit was performed on 18 children.