Mohinder Verma
Free 5 marlas of land to landless under PMAY-G/Awas Plus
*Prepare plan for utilization of retrieved State land
JAMMU, Sept 25: In order to ensure implementation of path-breaking decision of the Government of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir regarding providing of five marlas of land to landless free of cost, Chief Secretary Dr Arun Kumar Mehta has directed the Rural Development Department and Revenue Department to furnish list of eligible beneficiaries and identify land patches as expeditiously as possible.
The direction was issued in a high-level meeting held under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Dr Arun Kumar Mehta few days back wherein deliberations were held on implementation of the decision taken by the Administrative Council on June 21, 2023.
With regard to allotment of free five marlas of land to the landless under PMAY-GA and Awas Plus, the Chief Secretary directed the Commissioner Secretary, Rural Development Department to compile the list of all identified eligible beneficiaries at the earliest and furnish the same to the Government promptly, official sources told EXCELSIOR.
Further, the Chief Secretary directed the Secretary Revenue Department to identify the land available for this purpose so that land could be allotted in favour of all eligible beneficiaries as expeditiously as possible, sources informed.
In the meeting, Chief Secretary stated that historic decision will prove to be a golden chapter in 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,” sources said quoting the observations of the Chief Secretary.
Sources informed that both the departments are burning mid night oil to furnish the requisite details as the Government doesn’t want any delay in translating path-breaking decision into reality.
As per the guidelines, only domiciles of Jammu and Kashmir will be entitled to land which will be given on a lease of 40 years which will be extendable for another 40 years. The land will be paid at the cost of just Rs 100 per marla as one-time premium and Re 1 per marla rent. It’s subletting has been prohibited.
Those eligible for allotment are people residing on State land; forest land; Rakhs and Farms; people in possession of Custodian land; those living on land already allotted by the Government near Dachigam Park for agricultural purposes, where construction is not permitted and any other category of cases who are otherwise eligible for housing under PMAY-G but don’t have any land available for construction.
Meanwhile, Chief Secretary has directed the Revenue Secretary to prepare a comprehensive plan/proposal for utilization of the retrieved State land. “The Revenue Department in consultation with Deputy Commissioners should consolidate and prepare a comprehensive proposal in this regard and the General Administration Department should issue necessary instructions”, sources said quoting the directions of the Chief Secretary.
“The Government wants to make optimum use of retrieved State land as such comprehensive proposal is imperative for proper planning”, sources said.
Moreover, Revenue Department has been directed to pace up the efforts to bring in further reforms to make the revenue service delivery more accessible, effective and transparent as during the week-long event conducted by the Government recently most of the complaints were pertaining to this department.
According to the sources, the Government has also directed the Planning, Development and Monitoring Department to access the progress of the departments with respect to achievement of deliverables and start ranking the departments/districts as per already laid structure.
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