Irfan Tramboo
SRINAGAR, Mar 18: The National Conference (NC) has introduced a private member’s bill in the Legislative Assembly seeking to “safeguard” the rights of legal occupants affected by amendments to the J&K Land Grants Act, 1964.
NC chief spokesperson and MLA Zadibal, Tanvir Sadiq, said the proposed Land Rights Act-2025 aims to revisit and reverse amendments made to the Act in 2022, which, according to him, have created uncertainty for people holding land on lease.
“There are a number of bills in the upcoming session, including Government and private member bills. This Land Rights Act-2025 is important, and we want to reverse the amendments made in 2022,” Sadiq told reporters.
He said the bill has already been submitted and expressed hope that it will be taken up in the next phase of the Assembly session.
Sadiq noted that the 2022 amendments have led to a situation where the Government can reclaim leased land after the expiry of the lease period, even if occupants have constructed residential or commercial structures on it.
“There were several reasons cited for those amendments, but the reality is that anyone who has built a house or a shop on leased land faces the risk of losing it once the lease ends,” he said.
He said the original provisions of the 1964 Act offered greater protection by granting occupants the first right to retain or acquire the land. The NC’s bill, he added, seeks to restore that safeguard.
“In 1964, there was a clear provision that a person in possession of land would be given the first right to purchase or retain it. Our bill focuses on restoring that principle so that those who have held land legally are not rendered vulnerable,” Sadiq said.
The NC leader stressed that the proposed legislation is intended for individuals who have lawfully acquired land and have been regularly paying rent or fees to the Government.
Appealing to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to support the proposal, Sadiq said its adoption would provide relief to economically weaker sections and prevent displacement.
Sadiq also criticised the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), alleging that its earlier approach to land-related legislation was selective.
“The PDP did not bring a bill of this nature. Their measures were aimed at benefiting certain individuals,” he alleged.
He clarified that the NC’s proposal does not seek to regularise illegal encroachments. “Our bill is not meant for anyone who encroaches unlawfully. If someone occupies land illegally, that cannot be justified,” he said.
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