J&K Cabinet meeting on Monday
STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: The first meeting of the Council of Ministers for the year 2025 will be convened under the Chairmanship of Chief Minister on January 20, 2025 (Monday) at 3:00 PM. The meeting will be held at Meeting Hall, 2nd Floor, Civil Secretariat, Jammu.
Agenda: Revision of DA, faculty staff of Dental Colleges, Amendments to GST Act, Excise Policy 2025 to be discussed
As per order issued by General Administration Department (GAD), the Council will consider the revision of Dearness Allowance payable to Government employees, pensioners, and family pensioners, effective from July 1, 2024. This revision is aimed at providing financial relief to the employees and pensioners in line with the rising cost of living.
“Discussion on the contempt petition arising out of SWP No. 2649/2013 titled Mohammad Sidiq Lone & Others Vs B.K. Singh & Others will be taken up. The petition pertains to the enforcement of a court order, and the Council will review necessary steps,” it stated and added, “A proposal for the implementation of a 3-Tier Faculty Structure in Government Dental College, Srinagar and Indira Gandhi Government Dental College, Jammu as per the norms of the Dental Council of India (DCI) will be presented. This is in response to the DCI’s staffing pattern guidelines.”
“The Council will consider the administrative approval for the remediation of the Achan Dumping Site in Srinagar. The project aims to bio-mine and bio-remediate 11.00 Lakh MTs of legacy waste, with an estimated cost of Rs. 60.50 Crores. The funding will come from the 14th Finance Commission (Rs. 33.00 Crores) and Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0 (Rs. 27.50 Crores),” an order reads and added, “Administrative approval for the Pollution Abatement and Conservation of River Jhelum at Chuntkul and Gawkadal areas in Srinagar will be sought. The estimated cost for the project is Rs. 6445.68 Lakhs, with funding from the National River Conservation Plan.”
“A proposal for the Pollution Abatement and Conservation of River Banganga at Katra Town will be discussed. The project is expected to cost Rs. 92.10 Crores and will also be funded under the National River Conservation Plan. The Council will review and grant post facto administrative approval for the construction of a New Hospital Block for the Emergency Operation Theatre at SMHS Hospital, Srinagar to enhance medical facilities and services,” it stated.
“The meeting will address the recommendation of the J&K Service Selection Board to dispense with the oral test/interviews/viva-voce for posts in Pay Level-6. This proposal is intended to streamline the recruitment process. The Council will consider amendments to the Jammu and Kashmir Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017. The amendments are expected to improve the implementation and efficiency of the GST system in the Union Territory,” it further stated and added, “Discussion on the J&K Excise Policy for 2025 will be undertaken. This policy will outline the regulatory framework for the excise duties, control measures, and revenue generation for the state, addressing the future needs of the industry and the public.”
The outcomes of this meeting are expected to have a significant impact on the governance and development of Jammu and Kashmir, with a focus on improving administrative efficiency, environmental conservation, healthcare, and the welfare of the public.