Ownership rights boost agro-activities in JK: Azad

Jammu, Feb 14 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad today said strict provisions have been incorporated in the under Roshani act so that nobody uses the agricultural land being given free under the scheme for any other purpose except for cultivation.

The Chief Minister, while addressing farmers assembled at his residence, announced free ownership rights to poor farmers to the extent of 16.60 lakh kanals of state land.

He said the land will not be transferable so that after getting free ownership, no farmer is able to sell it to any other person for pecuniary benefits.

''After 1950's revolutionary land to tiller act of Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, the present legislation is far superior. Under 1950 Act land of jagirdars, zamindars and other landlords was distributed among poor farmers who were tilling the land but under the present act it is the land of the state costing Rs 20,000 crore which has been given to farmers with a specific provision of its non-transferable nature by respective farmers,'' he said.

Chief Minister said the jubilation and happiness exhibited by farmers in the state has justified the present decision of the government to amend the previous Roshni Act of 2001 under which farmers were required to pay full market value.

He said Congress has always remained on the forefront to highlight farmers' demands and protect their interests and present piece of legislation is a clear proof of the fact.

UNI