Guv orders inquiry into Roshni Act irregularities

Tribune News Service

Jammu, September 13

In a far-reaching decision, Governor Satya Pal Malik today ordered that all matters relating to the irregularities or fraudulent implementation of the Jammu and Kashmir State Lands (Vesting of Ownership to Occupants) Act, 2001 be investigated in detail by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB).

The Jammu and Kashmir State Land (Vesting of Ownership to Occupants) Act, 2001, commonly known as the “Roshni Act”, was passed in the year 2001.

While the intention of the Act was noble, a large number of complaints had been received regarding irregularities or fraudulent implementation of the Act.

Consequently, there are reports that high-value land in the districts of Jammu and Srinagar has been obtained irregularly or fraudulently by individuals, otherwise not entitled to any benefit under the Act.

Based on these reports, the government, under the direction of the Governor had repealed the “Roshni Act” prospectively in 2018 and stopped all further proceedings under it to ensure that no further fraud take place under the Act. This step of the government was widely welcomed.

However, as reports continue to pour in about the past irregularities, particularly in the twin capitals of Jammu and Srinagar, the Governor decided to launch a full-fledged campaign against the corrupt and decided to refer investigation of all matters of both districts to the ACB.

The ACB has been instructed to conclude the proceedings speedily and ensure that any offender, particularly beneficiaries, is brought to book quickly.

About the Act 

• The Roshni Act was enacted in 2001 with the twin objectives of generating resources for financing power projects and conferment of proprietary rights to occupants of the state land.
• The scheme was launched during the tenure of former Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad. Under the scheme, thousands of acres were transferred to illegal occupants at nominal prices. The beneficiaries of the scheme include top ministers of the current government, former ministers, politicians, police officers and bureaucrats.
• On November 28, 2018, the State Administrative Council had scrapped the Act following many complaints.