J&K Govt provided various facilities to 1947 PoK refugees

Refugees from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) who had migrated in 1947 have been provided various facilities, including agricultural land to those in rural areas and plots and quarters to those settled in urban areas, the state Assembly was informed today.

Minister of State for Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation Aijaz Ahmed Khan said, "As far as PoK refugees of 1947 are concerned they have already been provided various facilities like allotment of land for agricultural purpose who stayed in rural areas, and plots and quarters in favour of those families who settled in urban areas." He said this in a written reply to the question of Jammu State Morcha (JSM) MLA Ashwani Sharma in the Legislative Assembly today.

The West Pakistani refugees could not be extended such facilities as they were not permanent residents of the state, the minister said. "Displaced persons and refugees have raised various issues such as one-time settlement, employment package, reservation in professional colleges... the matter is still under consideration of the government," he said. He said a committee headed by then Financial Commissioner (Revenue) G D Wadhwa was constituted and the recommendation made by the committee has been referred to the Cabinet Sub Committee (CSC) which is headed by the Finance Minister.

Once the CSC submits its recommendations, further actions would be taken and the matter would be placed before the House, the minister added.