JAMMU: Minister for Health and Education, Sakeena Itoo, today said that out of total 1727241 Kanal and 8 Marla illegally occupied land, 1539662 Kanal and 15.5 Marla land has been retrieved, so far, in J&K. The Minister, who was replying on behalf of Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, to a question raised by Rajiv Jasrotia in the Legislative Assembly.

She said that the eviction process has already been initiated as per the relevant rules for retrieval of remaining 313645 Kanal and 12 Marla land worth Rs. 18,049.6 crore from the encroachers.

Sharing details, the Minister informed in reference to a member’s query regarding the following land parcels in Kathua district  under illegal occupation is being retrieved in Ghatti Patwar, Patwar Halqa Nanan, Forelain, Bhagthali Patwar, Taraf Bhajwal and Taraf Manjli, however, no state land has been encroached in Korepunnu village of Samba.

Regarding conversion of Agriculture land for industrial and commercial purposes, the Minister said that a total of 6098.53 Kanal of land has been converted for industrial and commercial purposes in Kathua and Samba districts of Jammu. She informed the House that total conversion of Agriculture land for industrial purpose was 4729 Kanal and 19.33 Marla while 559.17 Kanal land has been converted for commercial purposes in Kathua and Jasrota areas.

Similarly, 156 Kanal and 07 Marla of Agriculture land has been converted and utilized for industrial purposes while 654 Kanal and 10 Marla for commercial purposes in Samba, she informed the House.

She informed that the Revenue Department has not transferred state land to any private individual for setting up of Industrial Estates, however, on the basis of intends placed by the Industries & Commerce Department, land measuring 12260 Kanal and 03 Marla has been transferred to Industries & Commerce Department in various districts during the past two years.

She said that the State land measuring 129 Kanal has been allotted to PMAY (G) beneficiaries on leased basis during the past two years. Legislators; RS Pathania and Narinder Singh raised supplementaries.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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