The Omar Abdullah government in Jammu and Kashmir has proposed a Rs. 5,800-crore Prime Minister’s Reconstruction Programme aimed at incentivising Kashmiri Pandits to return to the Valley.
The rehabilitation package includes providing security and jobs for the returning Pandits and repair of their houses that were burnt or destroyed. The programme also provides for repurchase of their houses disposed of in distress before fleeing Kashmir. State Finance Minister A. R. Rather submitted the proposal to Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Monday, the day the President addressed both Houses of Parliament.
The President said the government would make efforts to ensure the return of Pandits “with full dignity, security and assured livelihood.”
“We are seeking money from the Centre for security to Pandits post-rehabilitation,” Mr. Rather told The Hindu .
