Srinagar, Jan 22 (KDC): The Jammu and Kashmir Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, is scheduled to meet today at the Civil Secretariat, Jammu, to consider a wide-ranging agenda covering policy decisions, infrastructure projects, administrative reforms, service matters and court-related compliance issues.
Top sources informed to news agency Kashmir Dot Com (KDC) that among the key policy matters, the Cabinet is likely to approve the Excise Policy for 2026–27, as the existing policy expires on March 31, 2026.
The Cabinet is also expected to approve the creation of a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for undertaking operation and management of the proposed Cruise and Urban Water Transport System on River Jhelum. The SPV will have initial equity contribution of ₹1 lakh each from the Transport Department, Jammu and Kashmir, and the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI).
Another major agenda item is the extension of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Border Roads Organisation (BRO)/Project Beacon for maintenance and improvement of tracks leading to the Holy Cave of Shri Amarnath Ji for the period 2025–28. The proposal includes administrative approval for signing the MoU and undertaking operation and maintenance activities, covering widening of tracks, snow clearance, slope stabilization, construction of shelters, bridges and safety infrastructure to ensure safe movement of pilgrims.
The Cabinet is also likely to approve the construction of a residential school for the wards of migratory population at Doombwani in Shopian district, aimed at strengthening educational facilities for migrant families.
As part of environmental governance reforms, the Cabinet may take up the proposal for restructuring of the Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Committee (JKPCC).
On the cooperative sector front, the Cabinet is expected to approve the reference of a dispute between the J&K Cooperative Housing Corporation Ltd (JKCHC) and HUDCO to the Administrative Mechanism for Resolution of Disputes (AMRD) of the Government of India, along with approval for initiation of arbitration proceedings.
Several service and personnel-related matters are also on the agenda. These include promotion of officers to various scales of the Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service (JKAS), release of Selection Grade (Non-functional) and Special Scale (Non-functional) in favour of eligible officers, and confirmation of Junior Scale JKAS probationers with relaxation of rules.
The Cabinet is further likely to consider the creation of one post of Deputy Legal Remembrancer in the office of the Chief Electoral Officer, Jammu and Kashmir.
Court-related compliance matters also figure on the agenda, including creation of supernumerary posts in pursuance of directions passed in SWP No. 1340/2003 and CP No. 123/2022 (Braham Paul Sharma vs State and others), Implementation of orders dated March 31, 2016, passed by the High Court in SWP No. 487/2005 (Basant Ram vs State of J&K & others).
Additionally, the Cabinet may consider relaxation of J&K Civil Service Regulations (Article 38) in the J&K Economics and Statistics (Gazetted) Service for promotion of Kamal Krishan Razdan as Deputy Director (E&S) in compliance with court directions.
All decisions taken by the Cabinet will be subject to the approval of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, they added. (KDC)
