Clarifies Stand on Migrant Land, Registrations
Srinagar, Feb 17: Ishfaq Gowhar
The Government on Tuesday mounted a strong defence of its policies concerning Prime Minister’s Package (PM Package) employees and issues related to migrant property and registration, asserting in the Legislative Assembly that its decisions are legally sound and aimed at safeguarding the interests of beneficiaries.
Responding to queries raised by members, the Government stated that Government Order No. 34-JK(DMRRR) of 2022 dated June 22, 2022 does not undermine the service interests of PM Package employees. Instead, it strengthens and protects them by introducing a structured service management framework.
The recruitment and initial appointment of Kashmiri Migrants under the PM Package, the House was informed, are governed by the J&K Migrants (Special Drive) Recruitment Rules, 2009, notified vide SRO-412 dated December 30, 2009. A total of 6,000 supernumerary posts were sanctioned in two phases—3,000 posts under Government Order No. Rev/MR/147 of 2009 dated October 28, 2009, and 3,000 posts under Government Order No. 58-JK(DMRRR) of 2017 dated July 29, 2017.
With large-scale appointments under the package, the Government said it became necessary to streamline seniority, postings, cadre management and career progression. Accordingly, the 2022 order provides for a separate seniority list, creation of pre-facto supernumerary posts for promotions, treating PM Package posts as Divisional Cadre posts of Kashmir Division, and extension of in-situ promotion avenues. These measures, it maintained, ensure that employees are not placed at a disadvantage vis-Ã -vis regular recruits.
The Government also rejected claims of inconsistency between the 2009, 2017 and 2022 orders, stating that the latest order supplements earlier provisions rather than contradicting them. It added that further improvements and possible absorption into the regular cadre structure have been taken up with the General Administration and Finance Departments.
On allegations of unilateral acquisition of migrant land for public infrastructure, the Government clarified that under the Jammu and Kashmir Migrant Immovable Property (Preservation, Protection and Restraint on Distress Sales) Act, 1997, District Magistrates serve as custodians of migrant properties. As per official reports, no land is acquired without following due legal procedures, including notification, verification and compliance with land acquisition laws.
Regarding provisionally registered Kashmiri Migrants, the Government said that following a meeting chaired by the Chief Secretary on July 12, 2023, it was decided that fresh registrations on security grounds are not justified given the improved law and order situation. Government Orders issued in 2024 reconstituted a Screening Committee headed by the Administrative Secretary, Home Department, to examine pending cases.
Out of 1,263 cases, reports from CID and District Magistrates are awaited in only 75 cases, which will be decided upon receipt. The Government maintained that the process involves necessary security verification and cannot be termed as delayed.
On migrant pensioners, it stated that free rations are provided to registered migrants under existing orders, and integration into the NFSA database ensures eligible pensioners receive entitled food grains under the Public Distribution System.
