‘New buildings, accommodation coming up in New Delhi, Chandigarh’
NAVNEET DUBEY
Jammu: Chief minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday admitted that Jammu and Kashmir had less distribution of assets as union territory in comparison with Ladakh though efforts were being made for asset distribution in an amicable manner.
Responding to a question by NC member Tanvir Sadiq regarding lack of accommodation for those visiting Delhi , Chandigarh from J&K after the transfer of main buildings of Jammu and Kashmir House, New Delhi, to the Union Territory of Ladakh, the Chief Minister, who also holds the Hospitality & Protocol portfolio, Omar said here has been relatively less distribution of assets to Jammu and Kashmir in terms of the apportionment from the assets of the erstwhile state.
Clarifying concerns over asset distribution post-2019, the Chief Minister stated that the apportionment of assets between J&K and Ladakh was carried out based on the recommendations of an Advisory Committee constituted under Section 85 of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act, 2019, as well as a committee formed under Government Order No. 1011-GAD of 2019 dated 12.09.2019.
CM said that the asset allocation between J&K and Ladakh was done by the apportionment of assets & liabilities committee constituted by the Central Government.
Sadiq posed a supplementary question alleging discrimination against Jammu and Kashmir for receiving “fewer assets” during the distribution process.
“It is true that there has been very little investment in terms of allocation of assets to Jammu and Kashmir, but our endeavour has been to distribute assets through agreement and mutual understanding. The bifurcation of Ladakh and J&K occurred over five years ago,” the chief minister said in his response.
Abdullah, however, pointed out that “if we look at the case of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, which were separated long ago, they are still embroiled in disputes over assets, even in court”. “We did not want to go down that path. Our aim is to resolve this issue through mutual understanding despite its impact on J&K,” Abdullah said.
Furthermore, the Chief Minister mentioned that the government is exploring possibilities of creating additional accommodation at 5 Prithviraj Road to further address accommodation needs. He also informed the House about the successful retrieval of government property at Kashmir House, Rajaji Marg, New Delhi, which had been under unauthorized occupation.
The property, measuring one kanal and 11.2 marlas, was occupied by individuals who were not duly authorized by the Estates Office, Resident Commission, New Delhi. “Pursuant to the provisions of Section 5(1) of the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorized Occupants) Act, 1971, the unauthorized occupants have been evicted, and the property is now in the possession of the Resident Commission, J&K,” he stated.
He said to address the limited accommodation at J&K House, Chanakyapuri, the government has acquired a 3,179.58 sqm plot on a perpetual lease from the Delhi Development Authority at Dwarka, New Delhi. CM further clarified that a significant portion of the Guest House at Chanakyapuri has been allocated to Ladakh. “Consequently, the UT of J&K has limited accommodation available at J&K House, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi,” he informed the House.
To address this issue, the government has acquired a plot at Plot No. 3, Sector-19, Phase-1, Dwarka, New Delhi, where a JK Bhawan complex will be constructed. This location was chosen for its accessibility and proximity to other state bhawans, ensuring better facilities for J&K visitors. Regarding the property in Chandigarh, the Chief Minister informed the House that J&K owns a property in Sector-17, Chandigarh, which will be modified after obtaining the necessary permissions.
He assured that arrangements would be made to provide proper accommodation for patients traveling to Chandigarh for medical treatment. The Chief Minister emphasized that while constructing new buildings, J&K’s architectural heritage will be reflected in the designs, and traditional J&K cuisine will also be made available. Additionally, more locals from J&K will be employed in these establishments.
Earlier, CM moved 13 Demands and 12 supplementary Demands in the Legislative Assembly which was subsequently presented before the House for discussion by Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather.
“I move that a sum not exceeding the aggregate amount mentioned in Demand Nos. 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 10, 14, 19, 20, 24, 31 and 33 be granted to Government to defray the charges which will come in course of payment during the year ending 31st March, 2026 in respect of Heads indicated in the List of Business against each demand,” Chief Minister said.
These Demands for Grants pertain to General Administration Department, Finance, Housing, Power Development, Tourism, Revenue, Law, Disaster Management, Hospitality & Protocol, Civil Aviation, Culture, Estates Information and Planning departments and the charge of these departments is held by the Chief Minister.
He added: “I also move that a sum not exceeding the aggregate amount mentioned in Supplementary Demand Nos. 1, 8, 10, 12, 18, 19, 24, 29, 30, 32, 33 and 36 be granted to Government to defray the charges which will come in course of payment during the year ending 31st March, 2025 in respect of Heads indicated in the List of Business against each demand.”
The discussion for demands of grants will continue for today, March 19 and 20 while Chief Minister Omar Abdullah will reply to the demands on grants on March 20 afternoon which will be followed by voice vote to pass the demands of grants.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister informed the Legislative Assembly that the digitization of Jamabandi for Balhama has been completed and is currently undergoing authentication.
Responding to a question by Sheikh Ahsan Ahmad Pardesi, the Chief Minister, who also holds charge of the Revenue Department, stated that the digitization of Jamabandi for Lasjan has also been completed.
However, any errors identified during the process are being rectified on a case-to-case basis.
