SRINAGAR, JULY 30: In a landmark decision, the Administrative Council, chaired by Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha, has granted proprietary rights on State land to West Pakistan Displaced Persons (DPs) and Displaced Persons of 1965. This move addresses longstanding grievances and aims to end decades of discrimination faced by these communities.
The meeting was attended by Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, Advisor to the Lieutenant Governor; Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary; and Dr. Mandeep K. Bhandari, Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor.
The decision will significantly empower thousands of families across the Jammu region, aligning their rights with those of Displaced Persons from Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK). The conferment of proprietary rights fulfills a long-standing demand from these communities, who have sought ownership of State land for decades.
Following the re-organization of Jammu and Kashmir in 2019, the Government of India had already conferred domicile rights to West Pakistan Displaced Persons. However, this new decision extends to granting proprietary rights, thereby providing these families with legal ownership and recognition.
Additionally, the Administrative Council approved the conferment of proprietary rights on State land for Displaced Persons of 1965, bringing their status in line with those displaced in 1947 and 1971. This decision underscores the government’s commitment to addressing the needs of all displaced communities.
The Revenue Department has been tasked with implementing safeguards in the operational guidelines to prevent misuse and unauthorized encroachments on State land. This measure is intended to ensure that the land rights are granted fairly while protecting the integrity of State land management.
This decision marks a significant step in addressing the long-standing issues faced by displaced families and provides them with the legal rights and recognition they have sought for many years.