SRINAGAR : The children of Kashmiri pundits who have not migrated and stayed back in the valley are also now eligible for employment under Prime Minister’s special package. In reply to a question by Mohammad Khalil Bandh, MLA, Pulwama in south Kashmir, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, also holding the charge of General Administration Department (GAD), said that now the government has conveyed the approval for creation of additional 3000 posts under PM’s Package for return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri migrants.
However, the reply said that Kashmiri pundits, who did not leave Kashmir valley during the turmoil and are still residing here are also eligible for these jobs. According to official records, the Centre had sanctioned a special package for Kashmiri pandit migrant in 2008. One of the component of the special package was to provide employment to unemployed migrant youths.
Altogether 3000 supernumerary posts were created in various departments for the migrant pundits interested to serve in Kashmir valley for which separate rules were notified in December 2009.
However, children of the pundits who had not migrated were not eligible for these posts. Recently, the Jammu and Kashmir High Court, on a petition, has directed the government to consider the children of pundits who have not migrated from the valley under the PM’s package. (AGENCIES)