In a significant move to support displaced families from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Chamb, the Central Government has been disbursing financial aid of ₹5.5 lakh per family as part of its one-time rehabilitation initiative. The effort, aimed at restoring the livelihoods of those uprooted during conflicts in 1947, 1965, and 1971, reflects the government’s commitment to providing justice and stability to the long-neglected victims of cross-border hostilities.
Following partition and multiple wars with Pakistan, thousands of Indian families were displaced from PoK and the Chamb sector. Many sought refuge in Jammu and Kashmir, leaving behind their homes, land, and belongings.
To assist these families in rebuilding their lives, the Government of India rolled out a ₹2,000 crore development package in 2015 under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This initiative was one of the early steps taken by the Modi administration to address the decades-long suffering of these communities.
Name of the Initiative: Prime Minister's Development Package for PoK and Chamb Displaced Families
Launched: 2015
Beneficiaries: 36,384 displaced families
Financial Aid: ₹5.5 lakh per family
Central Share: ₹5,49,692
Jammu & Kashmir Govt Contribution: ₹308
Mode of Payment: Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to Aadhaar-linked bank accounts
Purpose: To support rehabilitation and enable economic self-reliance
Unlike lump-sum cash transfers, the aid is structured in a way that beneficiaries gain sustained monthly benefits by investing the amount in approved welfare schemes.
The scheme targets:
Families displaced from PoK in 1947
Victims of the 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pak wars who were forced to leave Chamb sector
Families that have resettled in Jammu and Kashmir and have the necessary documentation to prove their displacement
To avail benefits, the head or a member of an eligible family must submit proof of displacement along with their Aadhaar card and related documents to the designated authorities in Jammu and Kashmir. Upon approval, the funds are released directly to the beneficiary’s bank account.
Back in 2014, the Jammu and Kashmir government requested ₹25 lakh per family from the Centre. However, after a comprehensive evaluation, the Union Home Ministry approved a more practical aid of ₹5.5 lakh per family. Though less than requested, it marked a major policy step and was considered one of the first crucial humanitarian decisions of the Modi government.
For decades, these displaced families lived in uncertainty and struggled to reclaim their lost livelihoods. The One-Time Settlement Scheme not only aims to compensate them but also helps integrate them into mainstream Indian society with dignity and economic security.
Moreover, the Central Government continues to prioritize security and stability in the region. Initiatives like financial aid for victims of cross-border shelling, and schemes for education, health, and housing, are being implemented to improve the overall quality of life in Jammu and Kashmir.
Eligible individuals can visit local administrative offices in Jammu and Kashmir with the following:
Displacement documents
Aadhaar card
Family details
Bank account details (linked with Aadhaar)
Upon successful verification, the money will start reaching their accounts under DBT.
The Modi government's ₹5.5 lakh compensation scheme stands as a beacon of hope for thousands who chose India over Pakistan during its most volatile years. It reaffirms the nation’s long-term commitment to justice, rehabilitation, and national integration.
