Srinagar, Feb 17, KNT: People’s Democratic Party (PDP) legislator Waheed Parra has introduced a bill seeking legal ownership rights for Jammu and Kashmir residents occupying state land, kahcharai (grazing land), common land, and shamilat land.
The bill, set for discussion in J&K’s budget session in March, aims to recognize the right to shelter under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution by granting ownership to long-term occupants of residential properties. It proposes a one-time ownership grant, excluding commercial structures.
To qualify, applicants must be permanent residents of J&K with proof of continuous possession for at least 20 years. A government sub-committee will oversee the identification and regularization process, with land transfers subject to a nominal fee per marla (272 sq ft).
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The proposal follows the repeal of the Roshni Act, which previously granted ownership rights but was scrapped in 2018 and later declared unconstitutional by the J&K High Court in 2020. [KNT]
