Jammu, Feb 5 || Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday informed the Legislative Assembly that the government has approved the allotment of five marlas (approximately 126.5 square metres) of state land on a 40-year lease to landless families rendered homeless due to natural calamities.
Replying in writing to a question by BJP member Balwant Singh Mankotia, the Chief Minister said the Council of Ministers had approved the decision, following which a government order was issued on January 2. Under the policy, landless families affected by floods, flash floods, landslides, cloudbursts, and earthquakes in Jammu and Kashmir will be eligible for the allotment.
The land will be provided exclusively for residential purposes on a lease basis without charging any premium. Beneficiaries will be required to pay an annual ground rent of Rs 10 per marla for a period of 40 years, extendable further as per rules after approval by the competent authority. The allotment will be subject to conditions laid down in the government order, Abdullah said.