J&K Cabinet approves 659 new administrative units

Putting to rest the reports of confrontation between coalition partners Congress and National Conference (NC), the Jammu and Kashmir Cabinet today approved setting up of 659 new administrative units in the state.
"I want to tell the people of Jammu and Kashmir with happiness that the state cabinet has approved the recommendations of the Cabinet Sub Committee (CSC) on setting up of 659 new administrative units in the state," Chief Minister Omar Abdullah told reporters, soon after the conclusion of the cabinet meeting here today.
The Cabinet has directed finance and revenue departments to prepare a road map for implementation of these new units to benefit the people on the ground, he said.

"It is a historic decision taken by the Cabinet. It is a decision taken by the Cabinet after several years through which the large number of people will be benefited from the decision," he said.
Giving details about the numbers, he said as many as 46 sub-divisions had been recommended, 135 tehsils, 177 CD blocks, 301 niabats, making it a total of 659, Omar said.
The CSC has also given their opinion on converting Patwar Halqas into Panchayats in the state, which has been forwarded to the finance and revenue ministries for creation of the road map, he said.
A political storm brewed in Jammu and Kashmir in the past few weeks over the proposal to create new administrative units with National Conference refusing to budge from its stand in its favour while its alliance partner Congress and some others opposing it.