Avinash Aazd
The Jammu and Kashmir government on Monday informed the Legislative Assembly that approximately 6,000 Kanal of land has been allotted to non-residents under various industrial policies.
In response to a written query by MLA Trehgam constituency, Kashmir Mir Saifullah, the government disclosed that under the Industrial Policy 2016-26, around 524 Kanal of land was allotted to non-residents of J&K. Additionally, under the Industrial Policy 2021-30, a total of 5,270.25 Kanal of land has been allotted to 156 non-residents of the Union Territory.
The government further revealed that in the past two years alone, 2,093 Kanal of land has been allocated to non-residents. This includes 24 Kanal at Exhibition Ground in Jammu, 1,939 Kanal in district Kathua to eight outsiders, and 130 Kanal in Srinagar, Kashmir to two firms.
MLA Mir Saifullah had sought details regarding whether land was allotted to non-residents in various industrial estates across Jammu and Kashmir. He also requested particulars of these allottees, including their tehsil, district, and state of origin. The government responded that land in J&K is allotted for industrial purposes as per the J&K Industrial Land Allotment Policy 2021-30 (Amended Version). Prior to this policy, land allotments were made under the Industrial Policy 2016-26.
When questioned whether land was allotted to non-residents in violation of the law, the government categorically denied any wrongdoing. “No, Sir. The due procedure for allotment of land as per the policy provisions in vogue has been followed during the allotments,” the official response stated.
The MLA also inquired whether local residents were denied land allotments in favor of non-residents. The government refuted this claim, asserting that all land allotments were carried out in accordance with the established policy framework. The issue of land allotment to non-residents has been a topic of significant debate, with concerns being raised over potential implications for local entrepreneurs and industrialists in the Union Territory.
