JAMMU: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has said that the Jammu and Kashmir Land Revenue Act, Svt 1996 contains provisions to prevent the misuse of agricultural land. Responding to a question raised by Irfan Hafiz Lone in the Legislative Assembly, he stated that under Section 133-A of the Act, agricultural land cannot be used for non-agricultural purposes without the permission of the District Collector. However, the law permits the conversion of up to 400 square metres of agricultural land for residential use.
The Chief Minister further said that as per Section 133-C of the Act, any land converted in violation of Sections 133-A, 133-B, or 133-BB shall escheat to the government. He added that violations of these provisions are punishable with a fine of up to Rs 25,000, which may be imposed by the Collector or an officer not below the rank of an Assistant Collector of the first class.
He also informed the House that the Board of Revenue has notified detailed regulations, prescribed forms, and fixed fees for the conversion of agricultural land for non-agricultural purposes. These regulations include provisions for monitoring such conversions.
Additionally, the Chief Minister said that the Jammu and Kashmir Land Grant Act governs the grant of state land on lease by the government. He noted that the Jammu and Kashmir Land Grant Rules, 2022, had been revised and notified under S.O. 668, dated December 9, 2022.
