The Jammu and Kashmir Cabinet meeting held on December 22, 2025, marked a significant step toward strengthening disaster relief, rural administration, and financial stability in the Union Territory. Chaired by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at the Civil Secretariat, the high-level meeting lasted over an hour and was attended by all Cabinet Ministers along with Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo. The Cabinet focused on key administrative and developmental issues that directly affect thousands of residents across Jammu and Kashmir.
Cabinet Approves 5 Marlas Land for Monsoon-Affected Families
One of the most impactful decisions taken by the Cabinet was the approval of a proposal to allot 5 marlas of land to families whose homes were severely damaged during the recent monsoon rains and floods in Jammu and Kashmir. The region witnessed unprecedented destruction due to cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides, particularly on August 14 and August 26, leaving many families without shelter.
According to official sources, the administration has already completed a detailed survey to identify eligible beneficiaries. The government will allot plots on the nearest available government land where homes were destroyed, enabling displaced families to rebuild their lives with dignity. This move fulfills Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s earlier commitment to provide permanent rehabilitation to disaster-hit households.
Monsoon Havoc Causes Widespread Damage Across J&K
The monsoon rains caused extensive damage to civilian houses, agricultural fields, standing crops, and public infrastructure across several districts. Roads, bridges, and essential services suffered severe setbacks, intensifying hardships for local communities. By approving land allotment for affected families, the Cabinet has taken a decisive step toward long-term recovery rather than temporary relief.
Salary Hike for Panchayat Secretaries Gets Cabinet Nod
In a major relief for grassroots-level government employees, the Cabinet approved the long-pending proposal to increase the pay scale of Village Level Workers (VLWs), now officially designated as Panchayat Secretaries. Their pay level has been upgraded from Level-2 to Level-4, resulting in a salary increase of approximately ₹5,000 per month.
This decision follows a comprehensive assessment conducted by the Rural Development Department and consultations with the Finance Department. Panchayat Secretaries play a crucial role in implementing government schemes at the village level, and the salary hike is expected to boost morale, efficiency, and accountability in rural governance.
₹118 Crore Infusion Approved for Cooperative Bank Revival
The Cabinet also cleared a proposal to infuse ₹118 crore into the Jammu Central Cooperative Bank and the Anantnag Central Cooperative Bank. Both banks have been struggling with financial and operational challenges for some time. Despite these issues, they remain vital to the cooperative sector, particularly for farmers, small traders, and rural entrepreneurs.
The government’s decision to revive these banks aims to restore public confidence, strengthen rural credit systems, and ensure smoother financial services across Jammu and Kashmir.
Administrative Restructuring in Rural Development Department
As part of administrative reforms, the Cabinet approved the re-designation of around 20 posts of District Panchayat Officers as Block Development Officers within the Rural Development Department. This restructuring is expected to improve administrative efficiency, streamline decision-making, and enhance the implementation of development schemes at the block level.
Discussions on Finances, Central Funding, and Daily Wagers
During the meeting, the Cabinet also discussed broader financial matters, including Central government funding and issues related to daily wage workers. While no immediate announcements were made, sources indicate that these discussions could lead to future policy decisions aimed at financial stability and worker welfare.
Reservation Policy Still Awaiting LG Approval
It is worth noting that the previous Cabinet meeting, held on December 3, approved the much-awaited new Reservation Policy for Jammu and Kashmir, based on the recommendations of the Cabinet Sub Committee (CSC). Chief Minister Omar Abdullah recently stated that the policy is currently awaiting approval from Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.
As per constitutional provisions, all major decisions taken by the Union Territory Cabinet require the Lieutenant Governor’s approval before implementation.
The December 22 Jammu and Kashmir Cabinet meeting reflects the government’s focus on disaster rehabilitation, rural empowerment, financial revival, and administrative reforms. Once approved by the Lieutenant Governor, these decisions are expected to bring meaningful relief to flood-affected families, strengthen grassroots governance, and stabilize key cooperative institutions across the Union Territory.
