JAMMU, JANUARY 14: The State Administrative Council (SAC) which met here today under the chairmanship of Governor, Satya Pal Malik approved locations for the establishments of 40 new Government Degree Colleges to be set up during 2019-20 & 2020-21. The council also accorded sanction to the grant of Hardship Allowance and setting up of two women police battalions in the state.
According to a government communiqué, the government had constituted a High Level Committee to identify and examine the locations for these colleges approved by SAC on 07.12.2018, a late night press communiqué said adding that SAC had directed the Higher Education Department to finalize the phasing and location of all the 40 Colleges through the Committee constituted vide Government Order No. 1462-GAD of 2018 dated 25.09.2018, and, thereafter, with the prior concurrence of the Finance Department, bring the proposal in the next SAC meeting.
The Committee, after taking note of various parameters including enrolment, catchment, distance, increasing number of students, feasibility etc, recommended 40 locations spread across the State for establishment of the new Degree Colleges scheduled to be made operational during 2020-21 after relevant infrastructure and staff is put in place. However, at some places, classes can be started during 2019-20, the communiqué said adding that 20 Colleges would be opened in 2019-20 to be prioritize meeting the requirements in such areas where land is available.
The Committee constituted vide Government Order No. 1462-GAD of 2018 dated 25.09.2018 were directed to continue as Standing Committee to examine future requirement of new Colleges.
The locations approved for these 40 colleges include Chadoora in Budgam, Qazigund in Kulgam, Rajpora in Pulwama, Zainapora & Wachi in Shopian, Villgam in Kupwara, Drass in Kargil, Vijaypur in Samba, Chenani in Udhampur, Mandi in Poonch, Paddar in Kishtwar, Thindim Kreeri in Baramulla, Frisal, Home Shalibugh in Kulgam, Langate in Kupwara, Marh in Jammu, Doongi in Rajouri, Ramkote in Kathua, Dudu Basantgarh in Udhampur, Siligam/Aishmuquam in Anantnag, Kotranka/Peeri in Rajouri, Ajas and Hajin in Bandipora, Hyderpora and Allochibagh in Srinagar, Khalsi in Leh, Kunjwani/Sainik Colony, Nagrota, Sidhra in Jammu, Khakryal/Katra, Neeli Nallah in Udhampur, Ukhral, Batote in Ramban, Awantipora in Pulwama, Verinag & Chitti Singhpora in Anantnag, Ramgarh, Purmandal in Samba, Pouni in Reasi, Marheen in Kathua, and Dangiwacha, Bomai in Baramulla district.
Meanwhile SAC also accorded sanction to the grant of Hardship Allowance of 8% of basic pay in the revised pay levels in favour of Gazetted and Non Gazetted Police Personnel w.e.f 01.01.2019.
The council also approved Hardship Allowance of 10% of Basic Pay in the revised pay levels in respect of ‘Classified’ category of Police personnel including those deployed with Special Police components and Bomb Disposal squads. The Police personnel entitled to 10% Hardship Allowance will be notified by the Finance Department separately, the communiqué said adding that the new rate of Hardship Allowance will be in lieu of Hardship Allowance paid at the rate of 10% of pre-revised Basic Pay as per Government Order No. Home 1162 (P) of 2010 dated 16.09.2010.
The Police personnel were entitled to Hardship allowance at the rate of 10% of basic pay in terms of 6th Pay Commission. In view of the implementation of 7th Pay Commission, there was a need to revisit the rates of Hardship Allowances so as to bring in rationality in the rates viz-a-viz the hike on account of pay, the communiqué said.
In another decision taken during the meet, SAC accorded sanction to the raising of two women battalions of Jammu and Kashmir Police along with creation of 2014 posts of various ranks for these battalions.
According to an official statement, the posts include two posts of Commandants, 6 posts of Deputy Commandant, 14 posts of Dy.SP, 14 posts of Inspector, 4 posts of Inspector (M)/ Tel, 46 posts of Sub-Inspector, 4 posts of Sub-Inspector (M)/Tel, 46 posts of Assistant Sub-Inspector, 10 posts of Assistant Sub-Inspector (M), 320 posts of Head Constable, 8 posts of Constable (Tel), 1402 posts of Constables/Tel, 138 posts of Followers, 2 posts of Medical Officer, 4 posts of Medical Assistant and 2 posts of Nursing Assistant, have been approved.
The two battalions will be raised exclusively for women on the pattern of Border Battalions, the press statement said adding that the move was aimed at equipping the J&K Police to effectively deal with crimes against women and give due representation to the Women in the Police force.
The recruitment to these two women battalions will be completed within one year from the date of sanction, the statement said.
