Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Oct 21: Vision Kashmir Convenor Sunil Fotedar and ASKPC President RK Wangnoo in a joint press conference raised concerns over the plight of over-aged relief holders and general issues facing the displaced Kashmiri Pandit community.
They criticized the lack of cash assistance enhancements, which have remained stagnant since June 2018, despite rising living costs.
Fotedar emphasized that the current daily relief of Rs 108 per individual is insufficient, calling it a “joke” given soaring prices.
He demanded an immediate increase in relief, aligning it with the Central Government’s wage policy for the unorganised sector.
He also highlighted the denial of cash assistance to displaced people living in the Delhi NCR region for the past four months, describing this as a human rights violation.
Fotedar called for these families to be brought under the Relief and Rehabilitation Department’s jurisdiction in Jammu for greater transparency and access to benefits like the amnesty scheme.
Further, Fotedar demanded a 5% reservation for Kashmiri Pandits in both State and Central Government jobs, as a constitutional guarantee.
RK Wangnoo criticized the Government for comparing the PM package to the broader rehabilitation needs of the displaced community, stating that while 6,000 jobs are provided under the PM package, they don’t address the needs of 5 lakh displaced people.
The leaders also called for the digitization of relief records and the restoration of employee ration coupons for displaced families, which were discontinued without explanation.
They urged the Government to act swiftly, stressing the need for confidence-building measures to ensure justice for the community.
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