JAMMU, Mar 13: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Friday announced a significant hike in passenger vehicle fares and approved enhanced allowances for ministers and legislators, following a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
Sources told that, an 18 per cent increase in fares for all categories of passenger vehicles was cleared by the cabinet. The government also fixed the fare for e-rickshaws at Rs 15 per kilometre, while e-autos will now charge Rs 25 for the first kilometre and Rs 20 for subsequent kilometres.
The proposals approved by the cabinet will be sent to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha for final ratification, sources added.
Sources said the cabinet gave its nod to amend rules to enhance travel, medical, housing, and car loan allowances for ministers, MLAs, the Speaker, and the Leader of the Opposition.
On the healthcare front, the administration also approved the creation of 136 faculty positions to strengthen the Government Medical Colleges in Jammu and Srinagar. The new posts comprise 27 professors and 109 associate professors.
Notably, the cabinet also consented to allow the neighbouring Union Territory of Ladakh to utilise the Jammu & Kashmir Real Estate Appellate Tribunal as a joint forum for resolving property-related disputes. (KNS)
