| News Details |
| Chief Secretary instructs PHH Inclusion | | Assures Coordinated Redressal on Issues Raised by Panun Kashmir Delegation | 
Srinagar, May 08(Scoop News)-A delegation of Panun Kashmir today met the Hon’ble Chief Secretary of the Government of Jammu & Kashmir and submitted a comprehensive memorandum highlighting serious concerns relating to the implementation of the National Food Security Act (NFSA), deteriorating civic infrastructure in migrant camps, and several long-pending administrative and welfare issues affecting displaced Kashmiri Pandits.
At the very outset, the delegation reiterated the demand of Panun Kashmir for withdrawal of the present NFSA implementation framework in respect of displaced Kashmiri Pandits, asserting that the community cannot be treated through a routine welfare template owing to its separate historical classification, prolonged displacement, and exceptional circumstances arising out of genocide and exile. The delegation maintained that the peculiar socio-political condition of the community requires a distinct and sensitive administrative approach rather than mechanical application of generalized welfare norms.
The delegation comprised Bhushan Lal Bhat, Coordinator Grievance Cell; M.K. Dhar, Media and Press Secretary; Bebooji Zutshi, senior leader of Panun Kashmir; Hari Krishen Kaul, social activist; and Bitooji Bhat, Coordinator Jagti Unit.
During the meeting, the delegation presented a detailed account of the hardships being faced by the displaced community in the wake of the ongoing NFSA implementation process. The representatives pointed out that widespread discrepancies have emerged in official records, including errors relating to age, gender, family composition, category classification, and residential details.
According to the delegation, these anomalies have resulted in exclusion of deserving beneficiaries, denial of entitlements, and severe distress among displaced families already living under difficult socio-economic conditions.
Particular concern was expressed over irrational ration depot tagging, wherein several relief-holder families presently residing in Jammu and adjoining migrant camps have allegedly been mapped to far-off ration depots situated in other districts, making access to essential food supplies practically impossible for many beneficiaries. The delegation emphasized that such administrative distortions have further deepened the sense of uncertainty and neglect within the displaced community.
Taking cognizance of the concerns projected by the delegation, the Chief Secretary issued instructions to the Relief Commissioner for immediate and appropriate action on the issues raised. Directions were specifically issued for inclusion of all registered relief-holder families under the Priority Household (PHH) category, a demand consistently projected by the displaced community in view of its prolonged displacement and vulnerable socio-economic circumstances.
In a significant administrative step aimed at streamlining grievance redressal, the Chief Secretary further directed that officials from various concerned departments, including the Food and Supplies Department and the Relief Organization, be stationed at designated common locations for integrated data coordination and verification. The purpose of the exercise, it was indicated, would be to facilitate on-the-spot correction of discrepancies, streamline records, and ensure time-bound resolution of beneficiary-related grievances.
The delegation also raised several pressing civic and infrastructural concerns confronting migrant camps and settlements. These included the urgent need for restoration of the Engineering Wing with the Relief Department, which the delegation stated had earlier ensured accountability and timely execution of developmental and maintenance works in camps. The absence of such a mechanism, the representatives observed, has led to delays, neglect, and deterioration of basic civic facilities.
The issue of pre-monsoon repairs in migrant camps was strongly emphasized during the discussions, with the delegation warning that recurring infrastructural damage during the rainy season continues to expose camp residents to unsafe and unhygienic living conditions. The representatives sought immediate restoration of non-functional borewells and installation of motors to ensure uninterrupted water supply in relief camps where acute shortages persist.
Road connectivity issues also figured prominently in the memorandum. The delegation specifically urged priority macadamization of the Kandoli road and improvement of internal roads within migrant camps, stating that poor road conditions adversely affect mobility, emergency access, and everyday civic functioning.
Attention was additionally drawn towards the neglected condition of parks, playgrounds, and stadiums situated within genocide-victim camps. The delegation observed that such spaces are not merely recreational assets but essential civic institutions that contribute towards social well-being, community engagement, and the psychological health of younger generations growing up in exile.
The long-pending issue concerning promotion prospects of PM Package engineers was also raised before the Chief Secretary. The delegation urged the administration to address the matter without further delay and ensure that employees serving under the package are not subjected to prolonged professional stagnation.
While the interaction remained administrative in tone, the proceedings reflected substantive movement on several critical issues projected by the delegation, particularly those concerning welfare coverage, data integration, civic infrastructure, and institutional coordination. Though no formal policy announcement was issued immediately after the meeting, the directions passed during the deliberations indicated a responsive approach at the highest administrative level.
The delegation expressed hope that the instructions issued during the meeting would translate into swift and effective implementation on the ground and provide long-awaited relief to the displaced Kashmiri Pandit community, which continues to live in exile more than three decades after its forced displacement from the Valley.
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