Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Monday announced that the ownership rights of land to West Pakistani Refugees will be granted by the UT administration on the directions of the Central Government soon.
The significant announcement was made by the LG during the inauguration of the Special Governance Camp for West Pakistani Refugee families, at Chakroi, RS Pura.
“Ownership rights of lands to West Pakistani Refugees will be ensured by the UT administration on the directions of the Central Government, “ the Lt Governor announced while addressing the gathering on the occasion.
According to Revenue records, “around 46,666 kanals of land was allotted to West Pakistan Refugees in Jammu, Samba and Kathua districts in 1954 after their migration from Pakistan post partition”.
Last year the Union Ministry of Home Affairs had also initiated a move along with the Revenue department of the Union territory to work out modalities of allotment of ownership rights to these refugees.
Welcoming the announcement President of the West Pakistan Refugees Action Committee Labha Ram Gandhi told The Pioneer, “ We are eagerly waiting for the final announcement of ownership rights to the West Pakistan Refugees”. Gandhi said the officials of the Union Home Ministry have issued necessary directions to the Revenue department of the Union Territory. We have also submitted the village wise list of families for the verification process. “I am hopeful the final ownership rights will be granted soon”, Gandhi added.
Referring to the issue of grant of compensation @ 5.50 lakhs to West Pakistan Refugees, Labha Ram Gandhi said, out of 5764 families an estimated number of over 1130 families have received compensation so far. “We have also requested the UT administration and also raised this issue before the LG Manoj Sinha to relax certain conditions to enable poor families complete necessary documentation to avail the benefits of the compensation package”.
In his speech the Lt Governor earlier said the objective behind organising the special Governance Camp was to resolve grievances, verification of pending cases of compensation, awareness about various welfare & self employment schemes and placement drive with focus on eligible candidates from displaced families
“Article 370 & 35A had denied political rights & other benefits to West Pakistani Refugee families & prevented their scope of progression and upward mobility. The Prime Minister provided them the rights enjoyed by other citizens of the country and they are no longer treated as refugees,” the Lt Governor said.
The Lt Governor shared the UT Administration’s resolve to extend the benefits of government schemes to their families.The Lt Governor further assured every possible support and assistance from the government to the youth of West Pakistani refugee families in their entrepreneurial & business ventures. He also said all the opportunities for skill development and sports will be provided to the youth.