Srinagar, Apr 01 (KNO): The Legislative Assembly on Wednesday allowed introdcution of a private member’s bill brought by NC’s Tanvir Sadiq, seeking renewal of leases for existing occupants.
When the bill came up for introduction in the House, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who also holds the Revenue portfolio, stated that he would not oppose it and would allow its introduction.
As per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the Speaker then put the bill’s introduction to a vote. The House permitted its introduction as NC members through a voice vote supported it , while opposition parties chose to remain silent.
This was the first Private Member Bill which was not opposed by the ruling National Conference at its introduction stage after assuming powers
Tanvir Sadiq’s bill seeking renewal of leases to existing leaseholders.
The bill assumes significance in light of the expiry of leases held by hoteliers in Gulmarg.
The bill has been brought to counter the impact of the Jammu and Kashmir Land Grants Rules, 2022.
The new rules, unveiled in 2022, stipulate that all leases-except subsisting or expired residential leases, including those granted under the Jammu and Kashmir Land Grants Rules, 1960, the Notified Area (All Development Authorities in the tourism sector) Land Grant Rules, 2007, or leases expired or determined prior to the commencement of these rules, or issued under these rules-shall not be renewed and shall stand determined.
Such leases, the rules state, shall be put to auction afresh at market rates instead of almost negligible premium.—(KNO)