Jammu: Minister for Revenue, Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Ali Mohammad Sagar on Wednesday directed officials to ensure time-bound implementation of relief and rehabilitation measures for migrant families and people affected by natural disasters.
Chairing a review meeting of the Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Department, Sagar stressed the need for administrative accountability, inter-departmental coordination and speedy resolution of pending cases.
Reviewing migrant property issues, he directed officials to expedite retrieval and restoration of properties, pay compensation wherever admissible and take action against encroachments and illegal occupation.
On migrant employees, the minister called for early resolution of service-related issues, career progression and timely release of admissible benefits. He said nearly 98 per cent of positions under migrant employment packages had been covered and asked officials to resolve the remaining cases without delay.
Sagar also called for establishing community halls at every migrant location in Jammu and Srinagar and reviewing ongoing and completed infrastructure projects, including digital libraries.
Expressing concern over the condition of some migrant colonies, he directed authorities to undertake urgent repairs and ensure basic amenities, including healthcare, safe drinking water and sanitation.
He also stressed uninterrupted ration supplies to migrant families and early settlement of pending relief claims, saying no eligible family should suffer due to administrative delays.
Reviewing disaster preparedness, the minister directed officials to expedite damage assessments and disburse admissible relief and compensation to eligible families. He called for better disaster mitigation mechanisms, adequate financial provisioning and effective utilisation of available funds.
He further stressed the need to ensure adequate coverage of Bakerwal and other nomadic communities under disaster preparedness and relief programmes, keeping in view their mobility and vulnerability to natural calamities.
Sagar said disaster management should be treated as a continuous process involving preparedness, mitigation, response, relief and long-term rehabilitation. He called for better coordination among departments and field agencies to ensure timely assistance to affected families.
The meeting also acknowledged Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s visit to families affected by the Kishtwar disaster and other affected areas.
Directing officials to translate decisions into measurable outcomes, Sagar called for clear timelines for pending works and regular monitoring of progress.
