New Delhi, Jul 5 (IANS): JK Peace Forum, a Kashmiri organisation, has thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the approval and allocation of a separate Budget towards the return and rehabilitation of the Kashmiri Migrants.

The budgetary allocation will be effective from March 2022.

The Budget allocated for the year 2021-2022 is Rs 825 crore, which is 2.5 per cent of the total Budget of the union territory.

Satish Mahaldar, chairman of the JK Peace Forum said this is over and above the existing relief and Cash Assistance.

This is for the first time in 32 years that a separate Budget has been introduced for the Kashmiri migrants, who are living in exile since 1990.

"This will ensure that no migrant or refugee is made destitute, denied fundamental rights or forced to live in fear. The Kashmiri Migrants would have a greater access to justice and greater respect for human rights, human dignity and the rule of law."

The benefits of the Budget are to be celebrated and shared, while ensuring no community member is left behind, said Mahaldar, adding that it is a part of the human settlement policy of the UT and Centre. The forum also thanked J&K Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha.