Srinagar, April 9 (IANS) Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, on Thursday handed over appointment orders to 90 next of kin of deceased government servants under the Rehabilitation Assistance Scheme (RAS).

Officials said Chief Minister Abdullah today handed over appointment orders under SRO-43/RAS to 90 candidates from the Kashmir division.

Agriculture Minister, Javed Dar, Transport Minister, Satish Sharma and Advisor to Chief Minister, Nasir Sogami were present on the occasion, along with senior officers.

Reiterating his commitment to supporting families of employees who passed away in harness, Chief Minister Abdullah said these appointments are aimed at providing stability and reassurance during difficult times.

He urged the appointees to discharge their duties with dedication, integrity, and compassion, and to carry forward the legacy of service of their loved ones with dignity and a strong sense of responsibility.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Abdullah said, “The old SRO-43 compassionate appointment scheme, along with its replacement, the Rehabilitation Assistance Scheme (RAS), has been implemented together.

“Under these two schemes, a total of 90 compassionate appointments have been made today across all 10 districts of the Kashmir province. This process has been ongoing, and after the formation of the government, efforts have been made to accelerate it, as this is our responsibility.

“These appointments are not a favour to anyone. Some of our colleagues passed away during their service period, and this scheme has been implemented to ensure that their families do not suffer and can sustain themselves.”

A similar function was held on April 6 in Jammu city to hand over appointment orders under the RAS to eligible candidates.

On that occasion the Chief Minister handed over appointments under the RAS, under SRO-43 and SRO-94 to 124 candidates belonging to Jammu division.

Under the compassionate appointment rules favouring families of terror victims, J&K Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha has handed over appointment orders to scores of survivors of terrorist attacks in both the divisions of the Union Territory.

–IANS

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