Kashmir Impulse Desk
Jammu, Nov 4
Revenue Minister Ali Mohammad Sagar on Wednesday directed officials to ensure time-bound delivery of relief, rehabilitation and welfare measures for migrant families and people affected by natural disasters.
Chairing a review meeting of the Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Department (DMRRR), Sagar called for greater administrative responsiveness, inter-departmental coordination and accountability.
Reviewing issues concerning migrant properties, he directed officials to intensify efforts to retrieve and restore such properties, pay compensation wherever admissible and take action against encroachments and illegal occupation.
He also called for expeditious resolution of pending cases in accordance with prescribed rules.
On migrant employees, the minister directed officials to resolve service-related issues, ensure career progression and release admissible benefits on time.
He said nearly 98 percent of positions under migrant employment packages had been covered and asked officials to resolve the remaining cases without delay.
Sagar also called for establishing community halls at every migrant location in Jammu and Srinagar.
He directed a review of completed and ongoing community infrastructure projects, including digital libraries to support educational and social activities.
Expressing concern over the condition of some migrant residential colonies, he ordered urgent repairs and renovation, stressing that healthcare, safe drinking water, sanitation and other essential amenities must be ensured.
The minister also directed uninterrupted ration supplies to migrant families and early settlement of pending relief claims, saying no eligible household should suffer because of administrative delays.
Reviewing disaster management measures, Sagar called for speedy damage assessments and timely disbursement of admissible compensation to affected families.
He stressed the need for adequate financial allocations, better utilisation of available funds and stronger mechanisms for disaster preparedness, mitigation and response.
The minister also called for ensuring adequate coverage of Bakerwal and other nomadic communities under disaster preparedness and relief programmes, taking into account their mobility and vulnerability to natural calamities.
He said disaster management should be treated as a continuous process covering preparedness, mitigation, response, relief and long-term rehabilitation.
The meeting also acknowledged Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s personal visit to families affected by the Kishtwar disaster and other affected areas.
Sagar said the chief minister’s outreach reflected the government’s commitment to supporting affected families and ensuring timely relief and rehabilitation.
Directing officials to translate the meeting’s decisions into measurable outcomes, the minister called for clear deadlines, regular monitoring and accountability at every level.
“Our priority must be to ensure that every deserving family receives timely assistance, every genuine grievance is addressed, and every rehabilitation commitment is fulfilled. There should be no delay in extending relief to those in need,” he said.
The meeting was attended by DMRRR Commissioner Secretary M Raju, Special Secretary Ashish Gupta, Relief Commissioner Arvind Karvani and other senior officials.
