Jammu and Kashmir government clarifies housing and worker policies

The Jammu and Kashmir government has addressed two separate administrative matters in the Legislative Assembly regarding housing and employment.

Regarding residential housing, the Estates Department clarified that the allotment of government accommodation is governed by statutory regulations, specifically the Jammu and Kashmir Estates Department (Allotment of Government Accommodation) Regulations, 2004. The department rejected claims that allocations were being made under a Standard Operating Procedure introduced without Cabinet approval. The current system includes a 5 per cent discretionary quota for non-government employees, such as media persons, former legislators, and freedom fighters, which is managed via a designated committee.

On the issue of labor, the government stated there is currently no fixed timeline for the regularisation of casual, seasonal, temporary, contractual, and need-based workers. A committee chaired by the Chief Secretary is currently examining the legal, humanitarian, and financial implications of a potential regularisation policy. The government noted that the process requires extensive consultation across various departments to ensure any new framework is legally enforceable and financially sustainable.