JAMMU: The government has said that the Srinagar Press Club was not restored to its earlier premises due to the absence of formal orders granting possession of the building. The explanation was provided in response to a question in the assembly asked by lawmaker Waeed Parra regarding the reasons for not reinstating the Press Club in its original location and the measures taken to provide an alternative space.
According to the government, Bungalow No. 9-B at Poloview, Srinagar—previously housing the Chief Estate Officer, the Directorate of Employment, and the Mission Directorate of ICDS—was handed over to the Press Club based on verbal directions following an announcement by the then Chief Minister during a budget session. However, no formal orders were ever issued to grant official possession. In 2022, the building was reclaimed by the government after a reference from the Directorate of Information.
Later that year, a fire incident gutted a building that housed key police offices, including the office of the Superintendent of Police (SP) City East, Srinagar. As a temporary measure, these offices were relocated to Bungalow No. 9-B. In 2023, the government formally allotted the premises to the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of the State Investigation Agency (SIA) through an official order dated September 21, 2023.
The government has assured that it is committed to providing suitable space for the Srinagar Press Club to enable its smooth functioning. However, no concrete details have been shared regarding the allocation of a new location or timeline for the establishment of a dedicated press facility.
