The central government has approved a three-year extension of special concessions and incentives for its employees posted in the Kashmir Valley, reaffirming its commitment to personnel working under challenging conditions in the region. The new order, issued on 29 April 2025, ensures the continuation of these benefits from 1 August 2024 to 31 July 2027.
The move comes as a follow-up to a similar extension granted in September 2022, which remains in force until 31 July 2024. The decision applies to all central government departments, including the Indian Railways, with parity maintained through orders issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoP&T).
The Railway Board, through circular RBE No. 34/2025, confirmed that railway staff deployed in the Valley will receive the same concessions available to employees of other central ministries. These benefits are applicable mutatis mutandis, meaning they are subject to the same conditions as outlined by DoP&T.
The concessions apply to employees posted in the following 10 districts of Jammu & Kashmir:
Anantnag, Baramulla, Budgam, Kupwara, Pulwama, Srinagar, Kulgam, Shopian, Ganderbal, and Bandipora.
The key benefits include:
1. Family Transfer Facility
Employees may opt to relocate their families to a place of their choosing within India at government expense. This includes a transport allowance and a Composite Transfer Grant equal to 80 per cent of the employee’s last drawn basic pay.
2. Per Diem Allowance
Those who choose not to shift their families are entitled to a daily allowance of ₹113 for every day of attendance, intended to compensate for additional commuting expenses. This is aligned with the Department of Expenditure’s city travel reimbursement norms.
3. Additional House Rent Allowance
Employees relocating their families are not eligible for the per diem allowance, as they benefit from the Composite Transfer Grant.
4. Security and Transport
Departments are required to arrange secure accommodation, transportation, and safety measures for personnel stationed in the Valley.
A Continued Acknowledgement of Service
This extension underscores the government’s recognition of the difficulties faced by personnel serving in the region, where security risks and logistical challenges are routine. The continuation of incentives aims to boost morale, ensure stability in administrative functions, and encourage continued service in the strategically sensitive area.
