Gair Mumkin Khad issue a matter of survival for small farmers: Jasrotia

• Presses for equitable growth, workers’ welfare and strategic infrastructure push in J&K Assembly

JAMMU: Speaking during the discussion on the grants of the Hon’ble Chief Minister in the Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly, MLA Rajiv Jasrotia raised a wide spectrum of critical public issues, placing special emphasis on the long-pending Gair Mumkin Khad land matter, welfare of daily wage workers, balanced regional development, and equitable allocation of resources.

Thanking the Hon’ble Chairman for the opportunity to participate in the debate, Jasrotia observed that while several budgetary aspects had already been elaborated upon, it was equally important to draw attention to unresolved grassroots concerns. Reflecting on the evolution of Indian democracy, he noted that politics has gradually transitioned from identity-driven narratives to issue-based governance, where elections are contested on real concerns such as health, education, employment, infrastructure, and security. He emphasized that pre-poll commitments must translate into measurable outcomes on the ground.

Jasrotia revisited the issue of daily wage workers, recalling that during the previous budget session, a High-Power Committee was discussed to examine their grievances. However, he pointed out that despite repeated assurances, thousands of workers continue to await tangible relief.He highlighted the challenges faced by Anganwadi workers, SPOs, NHM staff, Rehbar-e-Zirat, Rehbar-e-Khel employees, and teachers working under academic arrangements, many of whom continue to serve on meagre wages without job security, social protection, or clear regularization policies.While acknowledging fiscal and administrative constraints, he asserted that decisive intent and time-bound action are essential. He urged the government to frame a transparent and structured roadmap to address regularization, wage enhancement, and welfare mechanisms for these workers, who form the backbone of essential public services.

Emphasizing that Agriculture & Allied Sectors along with Tourism are the economic pillars of Jammu & Kashmir, Jasrotia called for balanced investment across regions. He pointed out that recent infrastructure allocations amounting to over ₹10,000 crore have largely benefitted Kashmir, and urged the government to reduce this developmental gap.He stressed the need to upgrade tourist infrastructure in the Jammu division, particularly in Patnitop, Sanasar, Mansar, Sarthal, and other potential destinations. Enhanced connectivity, improved facilities, and professional management of tourist authorities, he said, can significantly expand tourism potential and generate employment.

He further proposed the revival and acceleration of major projects such as Lakhanpur–Basohli–Bhadarwah corridor with proposed rail connectivity (₹31,400 crore), which could transform tourism and trade.The Jammu–Poonch railway line (₹22,000 crore), declared a national project in 2012 and surveyed in 2018 but presently shelved.Additionally, he highlighted the transformative potential of the Shahpur Kandi project, which would irrigate nearly 90,000 acres of land, generate 90 MW of power, and provide drinking water to large populations. He also urged reconsideration of the 100 MW solar photovoltaic project proposed at Chhan Rore village in Kathua, with an estimated investment of ₹900 crore.

Giving special emphasis to the Gair Mumkin Khad issue arising after the Border Act of 2010, Jasrotia termed it one of the most sensitive and long-pending land matters affecting thousands of families in Jammu, Kathua, and Samba districts.He informed the House that approximately 2,46,000 kanals of land were identified for delineation. However, since 2017, only about 14,520 kanals have been processed, of which the majority has been categorized as government land, leaving private landholders in uncertainty.Jasrotia stressed that the issue is not merely administrative—it is directly linked to the livelihood and survival of small and marginal farmers who own just 2 to 6 kanals of land. Many families are facing legal ambiguity, cultivation restrictions, and economic distress due to delays in demarcation and clear policy decisions.

He called for the expedited and transparent delineation of the remaining land to bring clarity and certainty to affected families. He further stressed the need to protect genuine small and marginal landholders from undue harassment and administrative complications arising from prolonged delays.Jasrotia urged the government to formulate a clear and comprehensive policy framework to resolve disputes in a fair, humane, and legally sound manner. He also emphasized the importance of implementing court directions and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in a time-bound and effective manner to ensure that the issue does not linger indefinitely.

He underscored that resolving the Gair Mumkin Khad issue is not merely a procedural necessity but a matter of justice and dignity, essential for restoring confidence and trust among border communities.In addition, he reiterated the need for equitable allocation of development and disaster management funds, ensuring balanced distribution of resources so that all regions receive fair and proportionate support.

Referring to fund allocations under power, infrastructure, agriculture, culture, and cooperative sectors, Jasrotia highlighted disparities in regional distribution. While appreciating sanctioned projects, he underscored that development funds and disaster management resources must be allocated in a balanced and transparent manner.He urged the government to ensure that both Jammu and Kashmir divisions receive fair representation in development planning so that no region feels neglected.

Concluding his address, Jasrotia reiterated that inclusive development, transparency, and regional harmony must guide governance in Jammu & Kashmir. He stressed that fulfilling promises to daily wage workers, resolving the Gair Mumkin Khad issue, strengthening tourism and agriculture infrastructure, and ensuring equitable resource allocation are critical to sustainable progress.He appealed to the government to translate assurances into action through time-bound decisions and balanced policymaking, reaffirming that equitable growth is the cornerstone of a stable and prosperous Jammu & Kashmir.