Sakeena Itoo’s reply does not satisfy the aggrieved persons
The J&K government claims a streamlined online CLU process, but residents report a malfunctioning portal and difficulty obtaining NOCs.
Citizens allege the Revenue Department uses CLU requirements to harass individuals and solicit bribes, particularly during renovations etc.
While ordinary citizens face stringent scrutiny, influential individuals reportedly bypass CLU regulations with impunity, even obtaining Fards without proper documentation.
MLA Surinder Kumar, with the backing of fellow BJP MLAs Vikram Randhawa, Sham Lal Sharma, and Chander Parkash Ganga, brought these concerns to light through Starred Assembly Question No. 1134.
jj correspondent
Jammu, March 06, 2025: A heated discussion unfolded in the J&K Assembly today regarding the significant hurdles faced by residents in rural areas, particularly within the Marh Constituency, when attempting to obtain Change in Land Use (CLU) permissions for construction projects.
MLA Surinder Kumar, with the backing of fellow BJP MLAs Vikram Randhawa, Sham Lal Sharma, and Chander Parkash Ganga, brought these concerns to light through Starred Assembly Question No. 1134.
Minister Sakeena Itoo, responding on behalf of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, asserted that the government had implemented an online portal, ‘jkrevenue.nic.in’, specifically designed to simplify the CLU application process and eliminate the need for applicants to visit government offices. She referenced Section 133A, Proviso 2 of the relevant regulations, which permits the construction of residential houses or farm buildings on agricultural land, with a maximum plinth area of 400 square meters, based on a simple intimation to the concerned Tehsildar.
However, reports from the ground paint a drastically different picture, contradicting the Minister’s claims of a streamlined system. The online portal is alleged to be riddled with technical issues and malfunctions, rendering it largely ineffective. Moreover, residents report significant difficulties in obtaining necessary No Objection Certificates (NOCs), even when attempting to follow the prescribed online procedures. This has led to accusations of deliberate bureaucratic obstruction.
Adding to the controversy are allegations of selective enforcement and harassment. Residents claim that while initial construction often proceeds without interference from authorities, any subsequent attempts at renovation or expansion trigger notices from the Revenue Department demanding CLU permissions. This practice is perceived as a tactic to harass innocent individuals and extract bribes.
Further fuelling these suspicions are reports that influential figures and “big fish” routinely bypass CLU requirements altogether, even managing to secure Fards (property ownership records) without proper documentation. Meanwhile, ordinary citizens, particularly those seeking to sell land for essential needs like a daughter’s marriage or medical expenses, face excessive scrutiny and are often unfairly targeted with demands for CLU permissions, adding another layer of bureaucratic burden.
There are many areas in Jammu division where huge colonies and coming up without CLU which speaks volumes about the contradictions between Govt’s claims and actions.
This apparent double standard has raised serious questions about potential corruption and favouritism within the Revenue Department. Critics argue that the government’s response to the issue has been misleading and dismissive, failing to address the genuine grievances of the public.
The stark contrast between the official narrative of a streamlined online system and the on-the-ground reality of bureaucratic hurdles, harassment, and alleged corruption has further eroded public trust in the government’s commitment to transparency and efficient governance.
