Major push for migrant welfare in J&K: Chief Secretary reviews progress on housing, health, and digital service reforms

SRINAGAR: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo today reviewed the progress of key milestones for welfare of the migrant population of J&K in a high-level meeting of the Department of Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation & Reconstruction (DMRR&R) here.

The meeting besides ACS, PWD and Principal Secretary DMRR&R was attended by Commissioner Secretary, FCS&CA; Commissioner Secretary, GAD; Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir; Secretary, IT; Secretary, Law; Development Commissioner (Works); Relief Commissioner; CEO, ERA and other concerned officers.

The meeting reviewed the implementation of the Prime Minister’s Development Package (PMDP-2015) and measures for improving service delivery to Kashmiri Migrants, Jammu Migrants, and other Displaced Persons (DPs).

The Chief Secretary reviewed the physical and financial progress of Transit Accommodations under construction across the Kashmir Valley. Expressing concern over earlier delays, he directed the Department to ensure strict adherence to revised timelines for all ongoing projects.

Against the target of 688 flats for the July–September 2025 quarter, 248 units have been completed. The meeting noted that 881 PM Package employees have been handed possession so far, with additional allotments to be made upon completion of critical allied infrastructure such as boundary walls, internal roads, security pickets, and basic amenities.

To optimize utilization, the Department is examining revised allotment criteria to ensure effective use of around 1,600 un-allotted flats at select transit sites. New projects are also being initiated, including a proposed migrant housing cluster at Village Dhar Dharchon, Jammu, where feasibility studies are underway.

A major infrastructure milestone in the shape of construction of the Community Hall at Mini Township Jagti, Jammuis progressing steadily and is expected to be completed by March 31, 2026.

The meeting finalized measures to enhance the welfare ecosystem for registered migrants. This includes integration of approximately 48,000 migrant ration cards with the National Food Security Act (NFSA) database through the SMART PDS Portal, operational since August 22, 2025. Over 4,500 cards have already been integrated, with special camps being organized to expedite the process.

For comprehensive enrollment under Ayushman Bharat Sehat Scheme, the Relief Organization has launched a Pan-India outreach initiative. A successful camp held in the Delhi NCR region (October 12–19) registered more than 400 new families, while further camps are planned in Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, and Chandigarh beginning October 24, 2025.

A Technical Appraisal Committee under the General Administration Department (GAD) has been constituted to vet the DPR for a new Integrated Online Services Portal. The platform will digitize migrant and DP records while offering end-to-end online services through the Relief Organisation.

Further, a feedback mechanism has been added to the RRCM Portal for migrants to record remarks on property grievance reports submitted by District Magistrates. The Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, will conduct random verification of at least 50 grievances per district per month to ensure authenticity.

In a governance reform measure, powers for issuing EWS, RBA, and Domicile Registration Certificates have been delegated to ensure prompt service delivery under the J&K Public Service Guarantee Act, 2011.

The employment component of PMDP remains a major priority, with 5,880 appointments (98%) completed against the sanctioned strength of 6,000 posts. The remaining vacancies are under active follow-up with the J&K Services Selection Board (JKSSB) and concerned departments for early advertisement and filling up.

Reaffirming the Government’s commitment, the Chief Secretary directed all stakeholders to maintain focus on timely completion, transparent implementation, and sustained welfare delivery for all affected internally displaced communities under DMRR&R’s purview.