JAMMU, DECEMBER 7: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo visited the Jagti Migrant Camp, which houses Kashmiri Pandit families, to assess the amenities available and listen to the grievances of the camp’s residents. The visit was part of the government’s ongoing efforts to address the issues faced by migrants and ensure their well-being.
Accompanied by senior officials, including the Principal Secretary, Home and DMRR&R Departments, Deputy Commissioner Jammu, Commissioner JMC, SSP Jammu, Relief Commissioner, Director School Education Jammu, Director Health Services Jammu, Chief Engineer Jal Shakti, and other concerned officers, the Chief Secretary conducted a comprehensive tour of the camp.
During the visit, the Chief Secretary inspected key facilities, including the Sub-District Hospital and the Government Higher Secondary School established within the camp. He received a firsthand account of the services being provided and issued directives to improve public services for the benefit of the residents.
At the Sub-District Hospital, the Chief Secretary instructed hospital authorities to initiate general anaesthesia (GA) based surgeries immediately and emphasized the need for upgrading medical services to reduce referrals and better serve the local population.
While inspecting the Government Higher Secondary School, he reviewed the staffing and subjects being taught. He stressed the importance of proper maintenance of the school premises and ensuring an adequate number of teachers for each subject to enhance the quality of education.
In a public grievance session held at the camp, the Chief Secretary reassured the residents of the government’s commitment to addressing their concerns in a timely manner. He encouraged them to register under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) to access a wide range of benefits under social security schemes and centrally sponsored schemes (CSS) available to them.
The Chief Secretary also highlighted the government’s plans to promote self-employment opportunities for youth in the camp. He announced that camps will be organized in collaboration with local banks to help youth access financial resources for setting up small businesses.
He further assured the residents that the ongoing digitization of migrant credentials would open doors for their enumeration under various central government schemes, including PM-KISAN. He reiterated that the Relief Commissioner would serve as a dedicated point of contact to ensure the timely resolution of issues.
Principal Secretary, DMRR&R Department, Chandraker Bharti, addressing the gathering, assured the residents that they should not feel stigmatized, as they were equally entitled to rights and services as any other citizens. He informed the residents that departments like Jal Shakti and Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) had been directed to improve water supply and sanitation services, and that efforts were underway to enhance these services further.
Earlier, Relief Commissioner Arvind Karwani provided a detailed overview of the Jagti Township, explaining that 4,224 flats had been constructed to accommodate 5,131 families, along with 53 parks and 10 community halls for the residents. He also shared that a mega two-story community hall is being planned at an estimated cost of Rs 6.34 crore. Additionally, he mentioned that renovation and repair work for the flats would begin soon.
The visit concluded with the Chief Secretary assuring the residents that their concerns were being heard and that the government was dedicated to improving their living conditions and ensuring their access to all available benefits.