Jammu: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today informed the Legislative Assembly that 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.
Responding to a question by Member Tanvir Sadiq regarding the lack of accommodation for those visiting Delhi, Chandigarh from J&K after the transfer of the 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, 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.
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.
The Chief Minister said that the asset allocation between J&K and Ladakh was done by the apportionment of assets & liabilities committee constituted by the Central government.
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.
CM moves 13 demands, 12 supplementary demands in Assembly
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today moved 13 demands and 12 supplementary demands in the Legislative Assembly which were 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 the 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.
According to an official press release, 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.
