Top officials discuss issues related to J&K bifurcation

New Delhi: Union Home Secretary AK Bhalla held on Tuesday a review meeting over the implementation of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act at the ministry office in the North Block, sources said.

Top officials of other ministries were also present to discuss ways to carry forward the 85 Central government direct benefit transfer schemes in a better way. This happened to be the first formal

such meeting by Bhalla on J&K after he took charge as home secretary.

Reportedly, more than 15 secretaries of major central ministries and departments, including finance, agriculture, rural development, industries attended the meeting. Even NSA Ajit Doval's report on the current situation in the valley was also discussed.

However, sources in the ministry claimed that the division of assets and manpower were also the key areas of discussion as the two Union Territories - Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh will come into existence on October 31 of this year. Currently, the Presidential Rule is imposed there.

Meanwhile, reportedly, the J&K administration has already set up three committees to work on the bifurcation of the state.

A few teams of central officials have already visited Srinagar while some in the level of joint secretary and secretary are expected to travel to the Valley in the coming weeks.