Despite a comprehensive package for the Kashmiri Pandits displaced during militancy to encourage them to return to the Valley, only one such family has returned.
A package worth Rs1,618.40 crore was announced by the Centre in 2008 to encourage return of migrant Kashmiri families and their rehabilitation. The Centre provides financial assistance for purchase or construction of houses, renovation of damaged or dilapidated houses, construction of transit accommodation and continuation of cash relief and employment.
However, six years after the package was announced only one family has returned, forcing the Government to rethink and rework the package. “The package is being implemented by the J&K Government and till now, one family has returned to the Valley availing the benefit of Rs7.5 lakh for construction of house,” Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju said in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.