Centre proposes sops for terrorism-affected people in J and K

New Delhi, Apr 25 (UNI) The Centre today proposed a slew of sops involving a Rs 1600 crore financial package for people hit by militancy in Jammu and Kashmir, including migrants, to help them rebuild their lives after years of torment.

Home Minister Shivraj Patil said in Parliament the Centre had asked the state government to identify land for group housing societies of families which had migrated from the valley in 1989-90 after onset of militancy.

The government proposed to give these migrant families, who opt to return to the valley, a lump sum grant of Rs 7.5 lakh to build or buy houses through such societies.

It had also been decided to give a similar lump sum grant to migrant families whose houses have been fully or partially damaged as well as assistance to those whose houses may not have been damaged but may have got in disuse or dilapidation as a result of abandonment.

''It is proposed to assist suitably with transit accommodation an start-up expenses,'' the Home Minister said in a suo motu statement in both Houses of Parliament.

The monthly relief being presently given to about 15,000 migrant families in Jammu and Delhi, will be continued for the families who opt to return to the valley for two years to enable them a smooth transition.

The government will also provide assistance for education of children of migrant families through the J and K Rehabilitation Council.

The Home Minister said in response to a suggestion by the state government, the Centre would bear the cost towards salary for 3000 of the 6000 educated unemployed migrant youths till they are absorbed against regular posts in the state government within a specified time-frame.

The government is also considering a financial package for other unemployed youths from among the migrant community to help them engage in self-employment.

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