J&K Govt Confirms Permanent Status for PM Package Employees, Ends Long-Standing Confusion

Srinagar, January 27, 2026 – The Jammu and Kashmir administration has brought a decisive end to years of uncertainty for government employees appointed under the Prime Minister’s Package, clarifying that they attain permanent status immediately upon successful completion of their probation period. The move has been widely celebrated as a major victory by the employees, a majority of whom are from the Kashmiri Pandit community.

In a formal circular issued on January 23, 2026, the Finance Department declared that the concept of “quasi-permanency” is not applicable to these employees. The order, signed by Principal Secretary of Finance Santosh D. Vaidya, explained that since these officials are appointed under the special recruitment rules of 2009 and confirmed after a two-year probationary period, they automatically become permanent government servants.

This clarification was necessary as many government departments were reportedly hesitant to grant quasi-permanent status, creating administrative hurdles and anxiety among the employees. The new directive explicitly states that upon confirmation, an employee’s lien on their post is established, making them a permanent member of the service. All departments have been instructed to update the service records of the concerned employees to reflect their confirmation.

The decision has been met with significant relief and gratitude. In a joint statement, the employees described the order as a “hope-renewing development” that resolves a critical administrative issue and restores their faith in a responsive and just governance system.

The employees gave special credit to the sustained efforts of G.M. Shaheen, State President of Janata Dal (United), for championing their cause. They noted that Shaheen had personally taken up the matter with the Lieutenant Governor of J&K and had assured them of a fair resolution.

The role of Rakesh Handoo, a prominent Kashmiri Pandit activist and JD(U)’s Minority Spokesperson, was also highlighted for facilitating a key meeting where employee representatives—Shri Ranjan Ji from Mattan, Shri Sunny Ji from Vessu, and Shri Ashish Razdan Ji from Srinagar—were able to articulate the challenges they faced on the ground.

“This order is more than just an administrative clarification; it is a major step towards boosting morale and confidence among PM Package employees,” the statement concluded.