“Return Policy Under Scrutiny , Govt Refers Matter to Centre for Financial Relief”
Jammu/Srinagar: ISHFAQ GOWHAR
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has stated that the government is currently not considering fresh registrations under the Kashmir migrant relief assistance scheme, a decision that is likely to spark political debate over the administration’s rehabilitation approach and ground realities in the Valley.
Speaking in the Assembly while responding to a query raised by National Conference legislator Mubarak Gul, the Chief Minister said that the matter was reviewed at the highest administrative level. According to Abdullah, a meeting chaired by the Chief Secretary in July 2023 concluded that the improved security and law and order situation in Kashmir does not warrant opening fresh registration under the relief scheme at this stage.
The statement has drawn attention as migrant groups and political observers continue to raise concerns about rehabilitation, return policies, and the long-term security and livelihood guarantees for displaced families.
Abdullah further informed the House that the proposal seeking enhancement in migrant relief assistance — particularly in view of inflation and rising cost of living — has already been forwarded to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. He clarified that the final decision rests with the Centre, subtly shifting responsibility to New Delhi on financial support for the migrant community.
The Chief Minister reiterated that the Prime Minister’s Return and Rehabilitation Package, launched in 2009 with a financial allocation exceeding ₹1,600 crore, was designed to ensure voluntary and dignified return of Kashmiri migrants. The scheme focuses on housing, employment generation, educational assistance and financial support to rebuild the socio-economic foundation of displaced families.
He highlighted that the package includes monthly cash relief, scholarships for students, employment opportunities for migrant youth, assistance for agricultural and horticultural activities, and interest waivers on certain loans.
The government informed the Assembly that out of 6,000 posts sanctioned under central rehabilitation initiatives, appointment orders have been issued to 5,896 candidates, claiming over 98 percent coverage. Officials maintain that these appointments have played a significant role in confidence-building among migrant youth, though critics argue that employment alone does not address broader security and rehabilitation concerns.
On the housing front, Abdullah said that 6,000 transit accommodation units were sanctioned for migrant employees, of which over 4,000 flats have been completed so far.
The remaining units are under construction and are expected to be completed during the 2026-27 financial year. Authorities have already allotted more than 3,000 completed units to eligible beneficiaries.
However, the Chief Minister also made it clear that there is currently no proposal to construct additional migrant transit camps, stating that the existing infrastructure is sufficient to meet residential requirements.
The government’s position is expected to trigger political reactions, particularly from groups advocating broader rehabilitation measures and fresh recognition of migrant families seeking relief benefits. With migrant return remaining a sensitive and politically significant issue, the latest stance is likely to intensify discussions on the effectiveness of existing policies and the pace of rehabilitation efforts in Jammu and Kashmir.
