Omar Abdullah’s announcement of five Marlas land to landless is a welcome and historic step: Rattan Lal
18/09/2025
Jammu,September 18 (KIP)- Rattan Lal Gupta Senior leader and Provincial President JKNC, Jammu said that the announcement of Flood hit/ landslide/ cloudburst areas by the Honble Chief Minister Jammu and Kashmir Jenab Omar Abdullah regarding the allotment of five Marla plots to landless persons is indeed a welcome and historic step. This measure reflects the concern of the present Omar led Government towards the most vulnerable sections of society who have been deprived of basic shelter due to natural calamities. The initiative has the potential to change lives by giving dignity, security, and a sense of belonging to thousands of families who have been affected due to natural calamities.
Mr Gupta emphasized, that the intention of the UT Government is appreciable, it is equally important that the Union Government extends its whole hearted support to make this decision of Chief Minister a practical reality. Land allotment alone is not sufficient- development of these plots requires financial resources for basic infrastructure of residential houses alongwith electricity, water supply etc. The UT Government, with its limited fiscal space, cannot shoulder this burden alone.
It is the duty of the Centre Government to immediately provide liberal financial assistance to J&K Govt so that the promises made do not remain confined to papers and press notes. Unfortunately, the experience of the last few years shows that many announcements by the Centre have not translated into action on the ground due to lack of follow-up and resource allocation. If the Centre is truly committed to the welfare of these poor landless people in J&K, it must release special funds and work in coordination with the UT Government to implement this scheme in a time-bound manner.
Mr Gupta said that this announcement also expouses the double standards of the BJP- led government which has so far failed to provide tangible relief to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. While tall claims are made from Delhi about development and empowerment, the ground reality is that the UT continues to suffer from unemployment, inflation, and inadequate rehabilitation measures for those affected by the natural calamities and displacement. By not extending financial assistance, the Centre risks turning this pro-poor initiative into another hollow promise.
Mr Gupta further said that the National Conference reiterates its stand that the interests of the Flood hit/ landslide/ Cloudburst people of J&K must be placed above politics. The landless and poor families deserve more than mere announcements; they deserve concrete action backed with resources. Mr Gupta urge the Union Government to immediately allocate special financial packages for this purpose, failing which the sincerity of its claims about welfare and development of these people will remain questionable.
The NC will continue to stand by the people of Jammu and Kashmir and ensure that such schemes are implemented effectively, with transparency and accountability, so that the real beneficiaries are not denied their rights. Mr Gupta said.