Diplomat Correspondent
Jammu, Jan 20(DD): The Jammu and Kashmir Cabinet, chaired by the Chief Minister, approved several key administrative proposals during its meeting today.
Among the major decisions was the approval of revised Dearness Allowance (DA) rates for government employees, pensioners, and family pensioners, effective from July 1, 2024.
The Cabinet also approved the implementation of a 3-tier faculty structure at Government Dental College, Srinagar, and Indira Gandhi Government Dental College, Jammu, in line with the norms set by the Dental Council of India (DCI).
Proposals from the Housing and Urban Development Department received administrative approval, including:
Dumpsite Remediation: Bio-mining and bio-remediation of 11 lakh metric tonnes of legacy waste at Achan dumping site, Srinagar, at an estimated cost of ₹60.50 crore.
River Conservation Projects: Pollution abatement and conservation of River Jhelum in the Chuntkul and Gawkadal areas of Srinagar at ₹64.45 crore, and River Banganga in Katra at ₹92.10 crore under the National River Conservation Plan.
Additionally, the Cabinet approved the construction of a new hospital block for the emergency operation theatre at SMHS Hospital, Srinagar.
Another significant decision was the elimination of oral tests or interviews for recruitment to posts in pay level-6, as recommended by the J&K Service Selection Board.
Amendments to the Jammu and Kashmir Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, were also passed.
The Cabinet recommended convening a session of the J&K Assembly in the first week of March. All proposals will now be sent to the Lieutenant Governor for final approval.(DD)