Chidambaram says Centre released Rs 100 crore to Jammu and Kashmir

New Delhi, Oct 1 (ANI): Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram on Friday said that the Central Government has released the Rs 100 crore as part of peace package for Jammu and Kashmir.

Presenting the monthly report card of the Home Ministry, Chidambaram said: " The Government has also authorized the payment of Rs. five lakhs to the families of each of the deceased in the civil disturbances.

He further said that the highlight of the month was the decision to send an All Party Delegation (APD) to Jammu and Kashmir on September 21-22.

"The delegation comprised 34 members of various political parties. Upon its return, after consulting the members of the APD who were available in Delhi, I submitted a report to the Prime Minister. On September 25, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) considered the report and approved an eight-point plan," he added.

Following the CCS decisions, he said, the schools and colleges in the Valley were reopened on September 27.

"Besides, a meeting of the Unified Command was held on September 29, 2010 and decisions were taken to remove 16 bunkers/check-points and to release 53 persons, including students, arrested/detained in the wake of the civil disturbances," he added.

The grant under Special Plan Assistance (SPA) is meant for schools and colleges for improvement and additions to their existing infrastructure such as classrooms, auditorium, library, playgrounds and toilet complex etc.

The concerned authorities have been instructed to release funds immediately to the State Government, who are expected to release the same to the implementing agencies without any delay.

The Central Government had also advised the Jammu and Kashmir Government to constitute a Committee to determine eligibility of the families to whom ex-gratia relief is to be given for those killed in the civil disturbances since June 11.

The Central Government in its package had earlier announced grant of ex-gratia relief to the families of the deceased persons at the rate of Rs. five lakh per person.

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs will reimburse the expenditure. (ANI)