Mubbashir Gull
Kupwara
Kupwara, June 15, 2025-The employees under the PM Package working in District Kupwara, have voiced concerns regarding their prolonged stay in rented accommodations despite being assured government housing under the policy set forth by the Department of Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation & Reconstruction (DMRRR). However, despite the allotment of accommodation at Transit Accommodation, Kulangam Bagh, Kupwara (Kashmir) being officially notified by the Office of the Relief & Rehabilitation Commissioner (M) in 2024 vide Order No: 113-RRCM of 2024 dated: 22-10-2024, the employees have yet to be shifted into their designated accommodations.
The delay in transitioning to the colony has caused uncertainty among employees, particularly impacting the minority community, who seek secure living arrangements as promised. However, the lack of on-ground implementation has left many employees scrambling to manage their daily lives amidst inadequate living conditions. The resulting instability is not only undermining their sense of security but is also fostering an atmosphere of psychological distress and apprehension about the future.
However, the employees also communicated that the District Administration, Divisional Administration and the Relief Department have consistently provided support and played a crucial role in fostering a positive atmosphere for working minority employees. The employees acknowledge their efforts and urge them to expedite the remaining work and facilitate immediate occupancy.
During a press briefing at Kulangambagh Colony on June 15, 2025, Representatives from the PM Package employee's community have voiced their concerns, emphasizing that the continued reliance on rented accommodations fails to guarantee essential safety and stability and appealed to the authorities to swiftly complete the pending construction work. They emphasized the importance of timely action to uphold the assurances given under the package, ensuring safety and stability for those awaiting relocation. "Our community is burdened with uncertainty. We were promised government secure housing as part of the PM package, but delays in executing the allotment list have forced us to live in rented accommodations. This situation is eroding our confidence in the system and endangering our peace of mind," stated a community spokesperson.
The employees highlighted some other issues and demands as below: -
1. There is apprehension why boundary wall works are delayed as the construction of boundary wall is of utmost importance in nature to convert accommodation into secured accommodation. It seems land acquisition for the boundary wall at front side is under process, if so, it is our humble request to the concerned authorities to kindly expedite the process.
2. Humble Request to District Administration to kindly direct engineering department to increase manpower to achieve timely completion of the transit accommodation.
3. Installation of passenger lift for easy access to top floors for old age parents of the employees.
4. For disabled employees & old age family members, provision of small ramp at the entry level of each building.
The employees remain hopeful that the administration will take prompt measures to address these issues, allowing them to move into their rightful accommodations without further delay. However, until swift and tangible measures are put into action, the lack of stability continues to pose a serious risk to the security and morale of minority employees in Kupwara. The situation underscores the urgent need for accountability and effective execution of welfare initiatives-especially those aimed at enhancing the living conditions of minority communities. Rented Minority Employees are calling for immediate oversight and regular progress updates until every eligible employee can enjoy the safety and dignity they rightfully deserve.
