Fresh migrant relief registrations suspended as security situation stabilises in Kashmir: CM
JAMMU, FEBRUARY 4: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday informed the Legislative Assembly that fresh registrations under the Migrant Relief Assistance scheme are not being entertained at present, as the overall law and order situation in the Kashmir Valley has shown significant improvement.
Replying to an unstarred question raised by senior National Conference legislator Mubarik Gul, the Chief Minister, who also holds charge of the Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Department, said the decision was taken after detailed deliberations in a high-level meeting chaired by the Chief Secretary, Jammu and Kashmir, on July 12, 2023.
He explained that the prevailing security environment and ground conditions in the Valley no longer justify the registration of new migrant cases at this stage. It was also observed in the meeting that any localised or sporadic security concerns can be effectively dealt with by the district administration and security agencies.
“As a result, fresh registration of migrants for relief assistance remains suspended for now,” the Chief Minister told the House.
Responding to a query regarding enhancement of the existing Migrant Relief Assistance in view of rising inflation and increasing cost of living, Omar Abdullah said the matter has been examined at the Union Territory level. However, since it involves broader financial and policy implications, the proposal has been taken up with the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, which is the competent authority to take a final decision.
The Chief Minister also ruled out the establishment of additional migrant transit camps in the Kashmir Valley. Instead, he said, the Government is focusing on the creation of planned and secure residential complexes under the Prime Minister’s Development Package (PMDP) 2015.
Under this initiative, a total of 6,000 Transit Accommodation Units are being constructed at 20 locations across the Valley to provide dignified and sustainable housing to Kashmiri migrant Government employees. These complexes are being developed with essential civic amenities and adequate security arrangements.
Omar Abdullah further elaborated on the steps being taken to ensure the safe, voluntary and dignified return of Kashmiri Migrants to the Valley. He recalled that in 2009, the Prime Minister announced a comprehensive package for their return and rehabilitation with a financial outlay of Rs 1,618.40 crore.
The package, he said, aims to facilitate socio-economic rehabilitation through a multi-pronged approach, covering housing, education, livelihood support and financial security. Key components include housing assistance, transit accommodation, continuation of monthly cash relief, scholarships for students, employment opportunities for migrant youth, assistance to agriculturists and horticulturists, and waiver of interest on outstanding loans.
Under the employment component of the package, 6,000 posts were sanctioned in two phases. Appointment orders have so far been issued to 5,896 candidates, achieving more than 98 percent coverage, the Chief Minister informed.
Giving an update on housing progress, Omar Abdullah said that out of the total 6,000 transit flats sanctioned, 4,096 have been completed up to December 2025, while 1,904 units are currently under construction and are expected to be completed during the financial year 2026–27.
“Of the completed flats, 3,250 have already been allotted to eligible employees, facilitating their residential settlement in the Valley,” he added.
The Chief Minister said these transit accommodations are equipped with necessary civic amenities and security infrastructure to ensure a stable, safe and habitable environment for migrant families, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to their rehabilitation and long-term well-being.
