JAMMU: The Jammu and Kashmir government has denied claims that the distribution of assets between Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh after the 2019 reorganisation was unfair to Jammu and Kashmir. In response to concerns raised about the apportionment of properties, by a ruling party lawmaker the government said that the process was carried out based on the recommendations of an Advisory Committee constituted under Section 85 of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, as well as a separate committee formed through a government order issued in September 2019.
Regarding concerns over accommodation for Jammu and Kashmir visitors in New Delhi, the government has confirmed that the main buildings of Jammu and Kashmir House in Chanakyapuri have been transferred to the Union Territory of Ladakh, leaving limited space for visitors from Jammu and Kashmir. To address this, the government has purchased a 3,179.58 square metre plot on a perpetual leasehold basis from the Delhi Development Authority in Dwarka’s Sector 19, Phase I, for the construction of a new Jammu and Kashmir Bhawan. The site was selected based on its accessibility and proximity to the bhawans of other states. Additionally, the government is exploring options for creating more accommodation at 5 Prithviraj Road.
The government has also said that steps have been taken to retrieve properties that were under unauthorised occupation in New Delhi. A property measuring one kanal and 11.2 marlas at Kashmir House on Rajaji Marg, which was occupied by individuals not authorised by the Estates Office, has been successfully reclaimed. The eviction was carried out under the provisions of the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act, 1971, and the property is now in the possession of the Resident Commission of Jammu and Kashmir.
