J-K Cabinet sanctions creation of new Disaster Management Dept

The Jammu and Kashmir Cabinet today accorded sanction to the creation of an independent and separate department of 'Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (DMRRR)".

Till date the business of Relief and Rehabilitation Department was assigned to the Revenue Department.

However, based on the experiences of earthquake of 2005 and the devastating floods of September 2014, it was felt appropriate to have a separate department for Disaster Management, Relief and Rehabilitation, considering the importance of timely, adequate and focused response to natural disasters, an official spokesman said.

The Cabinet that met under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti also approved revision in the sale rates of various coniferous species of Timber in A, B and C Concession zones for the year 2016-17.
 

The proposed rate has been enhanced by 20 per cent in A zone, 25 per cent in B and 30 per cent in C zone areas.

The Cabinet also approved the recommendation of the Empowered Committee to enhance the mandate of the Science and Technology department to take up small hydel projects upto 10MW capacity through the PPP mode.

The Cabinet also accorded sanction to the implementation of the 'High Density Apple Plantation Scheme' by the Horticulture Department.

The Cabinet also accorded sanction to the transfer of state land measuring 163.8 acre situated at Awantipora village in Pulwama district in favour of Health and Medical Education Department, for establishment of an AIIMS-like institution.

It also approved transfer of state land measuring 11.13 acres situated at Thandapani village in Rajouri district in favour of the Higher Education Department for establishment of a government degree college at Sunderbani.

The Cabinet also approved allotment of 10 acre of land at Industrial Growth Centre, Samba Phase III instead of Estate Ghatti, Kathua to the Ministry of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises for setting up of a Technology Centre/Tool Room, costing Rs 100 Crore on lease basis under the J&K, Land Grants Act, 1960 and rules framed there-under.

The Cabinet also approved appointment of Justice (retd) B L Bhat, former Judge of the J&K High Court as President of the J&K State Consumer Redressal Commission.

The Cabinet also approved the appointment of retired IAS officer Mohammad Ashraf Bukhari as Chairman of the Jammu & Kashmir Board of Professional Entrance Examinations.