Assembly Allows Private Member Bill on Lease Renewal; Sajad Lone Calls It ‘Pro-Elite Move’

Jammu, Apr 01  : In a significant development, the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Wednesday permitted the introduction of a private member’s bill seeking renewal of leases for existing occupants, with the ruling National Conference government choosing not to oppose it.

The bill, as per news agency Kashmir News Corner — KNC, moved by NC legislator Tanvir Sadiq, was allowed after Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who also holds the Revenue portfolio, stated that the government would not resist its introduction. The House subsequently cleared it through a voice vote, marking the first instance of a private member’s bill being allowed without opposition from the ruling dispensation since it assumed office.

The proposed legislation aims to facilitate renewal of leases for existing leaseholders and is seen as significant in the backdrop of expiring leases, particularly in prime tourist destinations like Gulmarg. It also seeks to address concerns arising from the Jammu and Kashmir Land Grants Rules, 2022, which mandate auctioning of such leases at market rates instead of renewal.

Meanwhile, Peoples Conference president Sajad Gani Lone criticised the move, alleging that the bill is designed to benefit the “super elite” of Kashmir. In a post on X, Lone questioned the intent of the legislation, stating that it pertains to high-value government land and may involve assets worth tens of thousands of crores.

He further raised concerns about the exclusion of economically weaker sections, asking what relief the bill offers to poor families living on small land parcels who continue to face hardships. While clarifying that he is not opposed to the bill itself, Lone asserted that its primary beneficiaries would be affluent sections.

He also sought details regarding the extent of government land under lease and the revenue generated so far, urging greater transparency from the government on the matter. —(KNC)