Controversial Land Rights Bill Rejected in Jammu and Kashmir Assembly

The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly decisively rejected a contentious private member's bill on Tuesday, aiming to grant proprietary rights to individuals with houses constructed illegally on government land. The proposed bill was introduced by PDP MLA Waheed Para but faced considerable opposition from various corners, particularly from Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.

Abdullah highlighted the potential floodgates such a law could open for land grabbing. He referenced historical approaches like the Roshni scheme, which allowed conversion of leasehold to freehold but aimed to boost revenue for power projects. Abdullah argued that the bill lacked necessary timelines, contrasting it with existing provisions under PMAY for landless individuals.

Despite the rejection, Para emphasized the broader impact on Jammu and Kashmir residents, arguing that similar initiatives had historical precedents. However, the Assembly was not swayed, and the bill was defeated through a voice vote after gaining support from only three members.