This is fantastic news from the Central Government for the employees located at the Kashmir Valley. The extension outside the normal pay and allowances that the particular pay is being given to those employees has been extended for three more years at the end of the 7th Pay Commission.
This is quite a meaningful relief and very much symptomatic of what the government is willing to do for these employees who are working in such hostile conditions.
Why is This Special Package Important?
This, indeed, makes the Kashmir Valley different from other regions, as the challenges it offers are high on demand compared to other areas. The government has recognized this and has decided to continue the special package for employees in this sensitive area. Even though normalcy has returned to the valley after the abrogation of Article 370 and subsequent elections, the government has extended the package to its workforce.
So, originally, the incentive package would have lapsed on 1st August 2024; it is now stretched to 1st August 2027. Hence the government’s understanding that there has to be some continuity in the needs of the employees of the region.
Which Districts Will Benefit?
The special package will continue to benefit employees posted in 10 districts of the Kashmir Valley. These districts include:
- Anantnag
- Baramulla
- Budgam
- Kupwara
- Pulwama
- Srinagar
- Kulgam
- Shopian
- Ganderbal
- Bandipora
Who is Eligible for the Package?
The special benefit package is open for all. Employees from all ministries, departments, and PSUs are eligible. The government has issued instructions to all concerned authorities to ensure that this benefit is not interrupted in any manner.
Good News for Pensioners Too!
Besides that, it would be letting much breathing space for employees in the Kashmir Valley, it also offers the benefit of greater freedom to pensioners dwelling therein. Pensioners were now allowed to withdraw their pensions from anywhere outside the valley as per the criteria set. This particular provision is much useful to those who relocated to a safer environment that offers them more security and peace of mind, yet these pensioners still rely on their pensions.
What’s in the Special Package?
This special package is available for employees working in the Kashmir Valley and it has a lot of benefits. Here is a simplified version:
- Family Relocation Allowance: This is the moving to any part of the country at the cost of the government for the family of the employee.
- Transport Allowance: An employee gets a transport grant under which 80% of the basic salary of the last month is given to him/her in addition to the monthly salary.
- Daily Allowance: The employee gets ₹141 for every working day.
- Messing Allowance: The Central Armed Police are entitled to an additional messing allowance of around ₹142.75 per day.
The employees are entitled to a special monthly package of ₹3,102.
This would be efficient for most employees and their families to conduct their lives relatively stress-free and work without further complications.