The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Cabinet has approved the regularisation of 878 grade-1 workers, 24NewsHD TV reported on Friday.
The cabinet also decided to introduce legislation for the regularisation of ad hoc, temporary, and contract employees serving against normal budgeted posts.
The decisions were taken during the 41st meeting of the cabinet chaired by AJK Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwar-ul-Haq.
The cabinet reviewed a wide range of governance, development, and public welfare matters and approved several major policy initiatives.
Among the key decisions, the cabinet approved the Easy Business Act to facilitate investment and improve the business environment.
It also endorsed the National Small and Medium Enterprise Policy aimed at supporting economic growth and entrepreneurship.
The cabinet approved the AJK Drinking Water Policy 2026, under which a new framework for the provision of clean drinking water will be developed with the support of UNICEF and the federal government.
To strengthen law enforcement, the cabinet okayed amendments to the Criminal Law Act 2024 to help combat cybercrime.
It also endorsed the Agriculture Pesticide Act to curb the use and sale of substandard agricultural chemicals.
A five-year roadmap covering agriculture, livestock and irrigation sectors was approved to improve productivity and strengthen rural development.
The cabinet also extended existing austerity measures until June 13.
The meeting ratified decisions regarding the distribution of funds to local government institutions and approved financial relaxations for the creation of posts linked to development projects.
In the judicial sector, the cabinet approved the transfer of powers of the chairman of the Environmental Tribunal and the Appellate Tribunal of the Muzaffarabad Development Authority (MDA) to district and sessions judges.
The cabinet also approved the allocation of government land for public welfare purposes, including a funeral ground and cemetery in Samahni and 25 kanals and 9 marlas of land for a cemetery in Jandala's Thathi area.
To facilitate the rehabilitation of people affected by the construction of the Mangla Dam, the cabinet approved the provision of 195 kanals and 11 marlas of land in Islamgarh's village of Palak, paving the way for further resettlement efforts.
In the education sector, amendments to the Schools Education Package were approved, along with the upgradation of several educational institutions and the readjustment of teaching posts in different schools.
The cabinet also approved the upgradation of district food controller posts to Grade 17, with the decision taking effect from July 1.
Additionally, the cabinet decided to restore the previous procedure for appointing the president of the AJK Bank and approved the withdrawal of an earlier amendment related to the appointment process.
The meeting reviewed progress on the implementation of the agreement reached with the Public Action Committee, while the Inspector General of Police briefed the cabinet on the overall law and order situation in the region.
The cabinet also ratified the decisions taken during its 40th meeting, reaffirming its commitment to governance reforms, public service delivery and economic development across Azad Jammu and Kashmir.