J&K Govt Approves 5 Marla Land Each to Landless Families

Srinagar- In a landmark decision, the government of Jammu Kashmir has approved a proposal for allotment of 5 marla land each to landless families for construction of houses under the Prime Minister Awas Yojna (PMAY)

“It is a historic day for Jammu Kashmir and a new beginning for thousands of landless families,” Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said Monday.

The ‘historic decision’, he said, will prove to be a golden chapter in his administration’s effort for social justice, equality, respect, and equal opportunities to all citizens.

“This path-breaking decision will not only entitle the landless poor to own a piece of land and have a house but it will also provide them means of livelihood, raise their living standards and realize their dreams and aspirations,” Sinha added.

Pertinently, the decision to provide land to poor families in J&K was taken by the Administrative Council in its meeting last month on June 21.

The LG said that the poor section of the society is at the centre of government policies and a substantial population that was devoid of basic facilities and rights even after seven decades of Independence is being brought to the mainstream of development.

“Jammu Kashmir government is committed to Inclusive development. This move will open up endless opportunities to the poor and downtrodden and with this landmark decision the administration is acknowledging their immense contribution in the task of nation building,” he said.

“A few years ago the Prime Minister decided that every poor person should have a roof over their head. The main obstacle here was that there was no provision for giving land to landless families. We made a provision and approved it in the administrative council to provide land to landless construction of houses under the PMAY,” Sinha told reporters here.

“We have given plots to 2,711 landless families across Jammu and Kashmir. We will be providing land as per the list we have and hope to complete the existing backlog by March 2024,” he added.

Sinha said the move will transform the lives of the poor and landless people in Jammu and Kashmir.

“The rural development department has identified 1.83 lakh families who do not have their own houses. We are working on it. It is a step that will not only provide a house to them but transform their lives,” he said.

“With housing needs taken care of, these families will start thinking of earning a better livelihood and education for their children. This puts them on the path to development,” Sinha said.

The LG said the Union Territory administration is duty-bound to provide land to remaining landless families.

“In the last 3-4 years, we have had success in providing social justice to people. There is no contradiction in our interactions and actions,” he added.

Sinha refused to give any details of the beneficiaries under the new scheme saying “We do not discriminate on the basis of religion or region. We have provided land to those who were deserving as per the law”.

Asked about the government’s demolition drive for retrieval of state land earlier this year, Sinha said the administration has “not touched the poor people”.

“We have not touched the poor. There were some aberrations but those were also corrected. The poor should have the first right to government resources. The land will be given as per laws. Wherever a sympathetic view is needed, it will be done,” he said.

Responding to questions on Amarnath Yatra, Sinha said the annual pilgrimage was progressing smoothly and the pilgrims have given very positive feedback.

“We have above 95 per cent satisfaction feedback from the pilgrims. We are lacking in traffic management but we have taken steps to improve that as well,” he said.

“Efforts are being made to make the yatris aware of the ROP and associated drills. Media is requested to give wide publicity to these advisories,” the LG added. (With PTI inputs)