Jammu: The Administrative Council led by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has granted proprietary rights on State land to families displaced from West Pakistan.
The administration hailed this move as a major step towards addressing historical injustices that will benefit thousands of families across the Jammu region.
The grant of proprietary rights ends long-standing discrimination faced by these families and aligns with the Government of India's 2019 reorganization, which conferred domicile rights on West Pakistan Displaced Persons, the administration said.
“The decision meets the demands of affected families who have sought ownership rights for decades. By granting these rights, the government aims to place West Pakistan Displaced Persons on equal footing with Displaced Persons from POJK. Sic.”
Moreover, the Administrative Council has approved similar proprietary rights for Displaced Persons of 1965 concerning state land.
“The government remains committed to supporting Displaced Persons, as evidenced by the consistent benefits provided to those displaced in 1947, 1971, and now 1965. To prevent misuse and unauthorized encroachments, the Revenue Department will implement stringent safeguards in the operational guidelines,” it said.
The decision was announced during a high-level meeting 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.