No proposal to adopt Central legislation on land acquisition in JK

SRINAGAR: There is no proposal to adopt central legislation on land acquisition in Jammu and Kashmir.

Minister of State for Revenue, Sunil Kumar said the Central Legislation called ‘Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013’ is not applicable in the State of Jammu and Kashmir.  In reply to a question by Vibodh Gupta in the Legislative Council the minister said the compensation for land acquired for State purposes is being paid in accordance with the J&K State Land Acquisition Act.

The Minister said that each land acquisition case is dealt with separately on its merits, irrespective of the fact as to whether it is for Central or State sponsored projects.

He said a well defined procedure is in place as envisaged in the Land Acquisition Act for acquisition of land and assessment and determination of suitable compensation payable to the affected land owners/interested persons.

He added that there is no such major project which could not be started due to non-acquisition of the land.

The Minister further informed the House that the land owners are being suitably compensated in accordance with the provisions of the J&K State land acquisition Act.

He said the compensation under the Act is being assessed and paid at market rates adding there is no proposal under consideration of the Government to adopt the Central legislation in the State as of now. (AGENCIES)