The allotment of land to a Sri Lankan cricketer in Kathua district of Jammu region sparked a heated debate in the Assembly on Saturday, with members alleging that even people with proprietary land had been evicted.
The discussion was triggered by a starred question from CPI(M) legislator Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami, who had sought details on the criteria for allotting five marlas of land for residential construction and a district-wise breakdown of beneficiaries
In response, Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Javed Ahmad Dar, stated that landless families were provided land under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY).
Tarigami alleged that norms have been violated and “this is what I am talking about. Land has to be allotted as per the laid norms to any person whosoever apply for land for commercial purposes."
"I am not questioning the person but the norms have not been followed by the administration and completely violated. I am not satisfied with the reply from the Minister in charge. We have asked for half an hour discussion on this matter on the floor of the House," said the legislator.
"As per my information, I am categorically saying that as per my information, no money has been charged from the cricketer for the allotment," he alleged and said that the government must clarify whether his information was right or wrong.
Congress MLA G A Mir along with others, also raised concern and demanded a discussion on this, he said adding, "it is an important question and the House must allow the discussion."
"The land belongs to the people of Jammu and Kashmir and for sale purpose either to a local or a non-local, all norms should be followed," said Tarigami.
The administration has cleared the decks to investment proposals of worth Rs 18,000 crore in the Kathua district—the gateway to Jammu and Kashmir—the work on which has already started on ground—the Bhagthali Industrial Estate investment worth Rs 13000 crores having a potential to generate employment for more than 17000 persons, will be transforming the border district into an industrial hub.
Situated in district Kathua, that connects the neighbouring states like Punjab and Himachal Pradesh—the Bhagthali Industrial Estate coming up in two phases on 3322 kanals of land with an investment of Rs 13009.13 crores.
Congress leader G A Mir echoed the concerns, calling it a serious matter.
“This is a serious issue that needs to be looked into,” he said.
AAP legislator Mehraj Malik alleged that even proprietary land had been taken from people in his constituency.
Choudhary Akram, MLA from Surankote, accused authorities of evicting people from forest land.
Rajiv Jasrotia, MLA from Kathua, claimed that people in his constituency had not received compensation for land acquired under the PMAY scheme.