Dignified return of Kashmiri Pandits key to restoring Valley legacy: Manoj Sinha
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha inaugurated 1,416 new residential flats for displaced Kashmiri Pandits across three locations in the Kashmir Valley on Sunday.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha inaugurated 1,416 newly constructed residential flats under the Prime Minister’s Special Employment and Rehabilitation Package at three locations in the Kashmir Valley on Sunday. The complexes are located at Zewan on the outskirts of Srinagar, Kakan Maran in Budgam, and Kulangam Bagh in Kupwara.
Sinha inaugurated the Zewan Transit Residential Complex in person, while the facilities at Kakan Maran and Kulangam Bagh were inaugurated virtually. The Zewan complex is the largest, consisting of 936 flats in 39 blocks, and has been fully allotted.
The Lieutenant Governor said the return of Kashmiri Pandit families is linked to preserving the composite culture, spiritual traditions, and civilisational heritage of Kashmir. He stated that the region's beauty will attain completeness when the community returns with respect, security, and confidence.
The Prime Minister’s Special Employment and Rehabilitation Package was launched in 2010 to provide government employment and residential facilities. The programme has enabled nearly 6,000 community members to secure government jobs in the Valley.
The transit accommodation initiative is part of a larger project involving 6,000 flats across 20 locations in 10 districts. Officials stated that more than 5,200 units have been completed and over 3,800 flats have been allotted to beneficiaries.
Additional Chief Secretary, Public Works (R&B) Department, Anil Kumar Singh, said the remaining flats are expected to be completed by December this year. Sinha directed officials to ensure uninterrupted electricity, drinking water, and strong security for the residents.