Separate directorates for Jammu, Kashmir

Srinagar, July 18: The Jammu and Kashmir Cabinet, which met here with Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad in the chair, took several important decisions, including creation of separate industries directorates in both the capitals of the state.

The Cabinet approved separate industries and commerce departments for Jammu and Kashmir divisions to accelerate industrial activity in the state. There would be two directors of industries for the two divisions and 15 new posts have been created for the directorates.

In another decision, 8 posts of additional district development commissioners were approved, taking the total number to 20. The officers will look after the rural development programmes in their respective districts.

The Cabinet also approved the Jammu and Kashmir State Legislators Pension Amendment Bill clearing the decks for lawmakers' pension hike. The bill will now be tabled in the coming Assembly session.

Two senior IAS officers, S S Kapur and S S Sawhni, have been promoted as financial commissioner planning and financial commissioner agriculture production respectively.

The Cabinet approved transfer of 7460 kanals of land to the Sonamarg Development Authority to boost tourism in the area.

The grade of section officers has been increased from Rs 6500-10500 to Rs 7450-11500. Besides, the honorarium of numberdars has been increased from Rs 81 to Rs 500 and that of chowkidars from Rs 225 to Rs 500.

The Cabinet also approved increase in the stipend of interns of the Government Medical and Dental colleges from Rs 2400 to Rs 4800.

The creation of one joint director post in the forensic science laboratory and construction of 4200 tenements for migrants at Jagti Nagrota were also approved by the Cabinet.

The Cabinet also agreed to implement the report of committee on rationalisation and regularisation of private B Ed colleges with certain recommendations. Eight daily-wagers of erstwhile milk federation department were also regularised. Ninety two grade II law officers of Law department were promoted as senior law officers.

UNI