J&K Administrative Council to provide life insurance cover of Rs 25 lakh to all elected representatives of local bodies

Srinagar: In the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, the Administrative Council which met in Srinagar under the chairmanship of Lieutenant Governor G C Murmu approved life insurance cover of Rs 25 lakh to all elected Block Development Council Chairmen, Sarpanchs, Panchs and all elected members of Municipal Bodies of Jammu and Kashmir in case of death occurs due to terror related incident.

The decision aims at strengthening grass roots democracy by providing a sense of security to the elected members of local bodies who are under constant threat from terrorists.

The life insurance cover will act as a guarantee for the subsistence of the family members of the elected representatives who die in terror related incidents. It will ensure that their families do not face economic distress and poverty in case of any untoward incident and continue to fulfil basic needs of nutrition, education and health in adverse circumstances.

The Council also approved the amendment of Jammu and Kashmir Minor Mineral Concession, Storage, Transportation of Minerals and Prevention of Illegal Mining Rules, 2016.

The amendment will enable grant of Short-Term Permits to the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) on land up to one hectare, till 30th September, 2021. It will also exempt PRIs from payment of advance royalty to the Geology and Mining Department before commencing mining.

The Administrative Council further allowed the Department of Geology and Mining to apply and secure clearances like Mining Plans, Environmental Clearance and Consent to Operate, from the Competent Authorities on behalf of the Panchayats.

The decision is aimed at empowering PRIs to raise funds through mining surpluses and address shortage of key construction material in the local market, besides keeping a check on their prices.