SRINAGAR: More than 770 cases under SRO-43 and the Rehabilitation Assistance Scheme (RAS-22) are currently pending across departments in Jammu and Kashmir, with the government attributing delays primarily to incomplete documentation and eligibility-related issues.
Replying to Un-Starred Assembly Question tabled by MLA Shakti Raj Parihar, the General Administration Department (GAD) informed that a total of 349 cases under SRO-43 and 423 cases under RAS-22 are pending, taking the overall number to 772 cases since November 2024.
Department-wise data reveals that the Power Development Department has the highest pendency with 195 cases, followed by the Forest, Ecology and Environment Department with 120 cases and the Health and Medical Education Department with over 150 cases. Other departments with significant pendency include Public Works (R and B), Agriculture, Animal/Sheep Husbandry and School Education.
The government stated that a mechanism has been put in place to ensure time-bound disposal of cases, with all SRO-43 applications being reviewed on a case-by-case basis on priority. It said delays often occur due to applicants not submitting required documents or not meeting eligibility criteria under SRO-177 of 2014, which provides a five-year window to attain eligibility for compassionate appointment.
To streamline the process, a dedicated online portal has been introduced for submission and monitoring of applications. In addition, designated committees have been constituted in all administrative departments to review cases on a quarterly basis, while Welfare Officers have been appointed to expedite processing under the RAS scheme.
The government also highlighted that 1,366 cases under SRO-43/94 have been approved between 2023 and 2026, indicating ongoing efforts to reduce backlog.
On the issue of regularisation of daily wagers, the government said a committee constituted in March 2025 is examining the matter from legal, financial and humanitarian perspectives. The report is still under preparation, with consultations underway across departments, and further action will be taken after its submission.
The response indicates that while mechanisms for faster disposal are in place, procedural and eligibility constraints continue to contribute to delays in settlement of compassionate appointment and rehabilitation cases in Jammu and Kashmir.
