SRINAGAR: Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, who is also the chairperson of the Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP), has announced that if his party wins the upcoming assembly elections, he will bring back the Roshni Act in the Union Territory. The Act, which provides ownership rights to occupants, was initially passed in 2001 by the National Conference government but was repealed in 2018 by the then-governor Satya Pal Malik.
Addressing a rally at Larnoo Kokernag, Azad expressed his concern over the economic crises in Jammu and Kashmir and said that his aim is to build the region as a welfare state, where the economy grows to the extent that people are willing to pay taxes themselves. He emphasized that the poor are being crushed with rising electricity bills, water charges, and property taxes.
The Roshni Act, officially known as the Jammu and Kashmir State Land (Vesting of Ownership to Occupants) Act, 2001, was modified during Azad’s tenure from 2005 to 2008. However, in 2014, the Comptroller and Auditor General’s (CAG) report revealed that many political persons from different parties had benefited from the Act. Consequently, in November 2018, the Act was repealed by the then-governor.
Despite the Act being declared illegal, unconstitutional, and unsustainable by the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh on October 9, 2020, Azad has reiterated his commitment to bring back the Roshni Act. He believes that this law will help build a better future for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
