AJK Cabinet Launches Health Card Scheme and Student Union Revival

The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) cabinet has taken significant steps to modernize governance and improve public welfare by approving a universal health card scheme and the restoration of student unions.

The cabinet meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Faisal Rathore, also endorsed a wide-ranging package of administrative, fiscal, and development measures. Among the highlights was the decision to provide Rs2.9 billion in equity to the Bank of AJK, enabling it to obtain scheduled-bank status from the State Bank of Pakistan.

To strengthen law enforcement, the government will establish women police stations at divisional headquarters. The number of administrative departments has been fixed at 20, ensuring streamlined governance.

On the energy front, the cabinet approved uniform domestic and commercial power tariffs for 5kV and 60kV consumers, waived Rs139 million in outstanding electricity dues, and sanctioned the creation of education boards in Muzaffarabad and Rawalakot.

Health Minister-led committees will finalize agreements with State Life Insurance to roll out the health card scheme. Hospitals will be identified within five days to ensure immediate implementation.

Education reforms include addressing staff shortages through a rationalisation formula of one teacher per 25 students. Surplus teachers will be shifted within union councils, while new posts will be created where necessary. Institutions will be upgraded or newly established based on community needs.

A separate committee headed by the Higher Education Minister will present recommendations on the revival of student unions within five days. Similarly, a Finance Minister-led committee will propose reductions in property transfer taxes.

The cabinet also approved rehabilitation measures for Mangla Dam-affected families, with land allotments to begin after committee recommendations. Other projects include a revised scheme for the Revenue Complex in Muzaffarabad, solid waste management projects in nine district headquarters, and procurement of machinery for the Communications and Works Department in Poonch.

Development projects cleared by the Cabinet Development Committee (CDC) were also sanctioned, including the 500kW Pathyali and 500kW Haryala hydropower projects in Muzaffarabad, costing nearly Rs495 million and Rs499 million, and the construction of the 220-metre Gulpur bridge in Kotli at a cost of Rs824 million.

These decisions reflect AJK’s commitment to healthcare access, education reform, infrastructure development, and fiscal responsibility, marking a new phase in regional governance.