Transit camps for Kashmiri pandit employees to come up in 6 Kashmir districts

Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir administration on Wednesday approved the construction of what it called “Transit Accommodation for Kashmiri Migrant Employees” at six locations in the Kashmir Valley, as a part of Prime Minister’s development package for the community.

The estimated cost of the project is Rs 201.60 crore, according to an order issued by the Department of Disaster Management, Relief Rehabilitation and Reconstruction.

The proposed locations for the mega-construction include Marhama Bijbehara in Anantnag district, Wandhama Lar in Ganderbal district, Fatehpora in Baramulla district, Allowpora Keegam in Shopian district, Odina Sumbal in Bandipora district and Khullangam Bagh in Kupwara district.

As per the order, a total of 1,680 units would be constructed.

The highest number of 480 units would come in Bandipora, followed by 336 in Baramulla, 288 in Kupwara and 192 each in rest of the three districts.

The government said a four-member committee headed by Principal Secretary, Revenue Department, has been set up to resolve all matters pertaining to the identification and transfer of land to the Department of Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction by November 15.

Earlier on September 24, the Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Council had approved re-allocation of nearly 2,000 posts for Kashmiri Pandits who want to settle in the Valley. This re-allocation is part of the 3,000 posts announced in 2015. So far, only 806 applicants have been selected and 1,997 positions remain vacant.