JAMMU, Mar 18: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said on Tuesday that the distribution of assets and liabilities between Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh is being done with mutual agreement. He explained that the process follows the recommendations of an advisory committee report (ACR).
Abdullah also admitted that Jammu and Kashmir has received fewer assets than Ladakh during the division of the former state’s assets.
“The distribution of assets from the old state of Jammu and Kashmir was done based on the suggestions of an advisory committee set up under the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, and another committee formed by the government,” Abdullah said in response to a question from National Conference member Tanveer Sadiq in the Assembly.
Sadiq had raised a concern, claiming that Jammu and Kashmir was unfairly given fewer assets during the process.
“It is true that Jammu and Kashmir received fewer assets, but our focus has been on resolving this through mutual agreement and understanding. The division of Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir happened over five years ago,” the chief minister added.
Abdullah also pointed out that the situation is similar to Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, which have been dealing with asset division issues for a long time, even in court.
“We didn’t want to follow that path. Our goal is to settle this issue through mutual understanding, even though it has affected Jammu and Kashmir,” Abdullah concluded.
In a move aimed at resolving accommodation issues for J&K residents visiting Delhi and Chandigarh, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah informed the Legislative Assembly today that the government has secured a 3,179.58 square meter plot on a perpetual lease from the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) at Dwarka, New Delhi. This new site will house a modern JK Bhawan complex, addressing the limited accommodation currently available at J&K House in Chanakyapuri.
The Chief Minister’s announcement came in response to a question from Member Tanvir Sadiq regarding the accommodation shortage following the transfer of J&K House’s main buildings to the Union Territory of Ladakh. Omar Abdullah, who also oversees the Hospitality & Protocol portfolio, explained that a significant portion of the Chanakyapuri Guest House has now been allocated to Ladakh, leading to a reduction in available space for J&K. “As a result, the UT of J&K now has limited accommodation at J&K House, Chanakyapuri,” he said.
The newly acquired plot, located at Plot No. 3, Sector-19, Phase-1, Dwarka, New Delhi, was chosen for its strategic location and ease of access to other state bhawans, ensuring better facilities for J&K visitors. Plans are now underway to construct a state-of-the-art JK Bhawan complex at the site.
On the subject of accommodation for J&K residents in Chandigarh, the Chief Minister updated the House on the state’s property in Sector-17, Chandigarh. This property will undergo modifications once the required permissions are secured to meet growing accommodation demands. Furthermore, Omar Abdullah assured the House that proper arrangements would be made for patients traveling to Chandigarh for medical treatment.
In line with the government’s commitment to preserving J&K’s cultural heritage, the new facilities will feature architectural designs reflective of the region’s unique style. Traditional J&K cuisine will also be available, and the Chief Minister emphasized that these new establishments would provide employment opportunities for local residents from J&K.
Further addressing the issue of state property, the Chief Minister highlighted the successful retrieval of government land at Kashmir House, Rajaji Marg, New Delhi. The property, measuring one kanal and 11.2 marlas, had been under unauthorized occupation.
“In line with Section 5(1) of the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorized Occupants) Act, 1971, the unauthorized occupants have been evicted, and the property is now in the possession of the Resident Commission, J&K,” Omar Abdullah confirmed.
In an effort to further alleviate accommodation shortages, the government is also considering the possibility of creating more facilities at 5 Prithviraj Road, New Delhi.
This comprehensive approach demonstrates the government’s commitment to addressing the accommodation needs of J&K residents, while also safeguarding state assets and heritage.
CM presents Demands for Grants to Legislative Assembly for discussion
• Moves 13 Demands & 12 Supplementary Demands
• Vows to address digital Jamabandi errors in Revenue dept
• Discussion on Demands for Grants to continue on March 19-20
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today moved 13 Demands and 12 Supplementary Demands in the Legislative Assembly, which were subsequently presented before the House for discussion by Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather.
“I move that a sum not exceeding the aggregate amount mentioned in Demand Nos. 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 10, 14, 19, 20, 24, 31, and 33 be granted to the Government to defray the charges that will be incurred during the year ending March 31, 2026, for the departments listed in the Business List,” Chief Minister Abdullah stated.
The Demands for Grants pertain to a variety of departments, including General Administration, Finance, Housing, Power Development, Tourism, Revenue, Law, Disaster Management, Hospitality & Protocol, Civil Aviation, Culture, Estates, Information, and Planning. The Chief Minister oversees these departments.
He further added, “I also move that a sum not exceeding the aggregate amount mentioned in Supplementary Demand Nos. 1, 8, 10, 12, 18, 19, 24, 29, 30, 32, 33, and 36 be granted to the Government to cover charges expected to be paid during the year ending March 31, 2025, as per the Heads indicated in the List of Business.”
The discussion on the Demands for Grants will continue today, March 19, and March 20. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is expected to respond to the demands on March 20 afternoon, followed by a voice vote to pass the demands.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister informed the Legislative Assembly that the digitisation of Jamabandi for Balhama has been completed and is currently undergoing authentication. In response to a question from Sheikh Ahsan Ahmad Pardesi, Chief Minister Abdullah, who also holds the Revenue Department portfolio, stated that the digitization of Jamabandi for Lasjan has also been completed. However, any errors identified in the process are being addressed on a case-by-case basis.
