Srinagar: People’s Democratic Party (PDP) legislator Waheed Parra has introduced a bill seeking legal ownership rights for Jammu and Kashmir residents occupying state land, kahcharai (grazing land), common land, and shamilat land.
The bill, set for discussion in J&K’s budget session in March, aims to recognize the right to shelter under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution by granting ownership to long-term occupants of residential properties. It proposes a one-time ownership grant, excluding commercial structures.
To qualify, applicants must be permanent residents of J&K with proof of continuous possession for at least 20 years. A government sub-committee will oversee the identification and regularization process, with land transfers subject to a nominal fee per marla (272 sq ft).
The proposal follows the repeal of the Roshni Act, which previously granted ownership rights but was scrapped in 2018 and later declared unconstitutional by the J&K High Court in 2020. [KNT]
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