New MoD order: owner’s nod needed before occupying pvt land in J-K

“This is good news for all the growers and landowners of the state,” said Ghulam Rasool Bhat, president of the Fruit Growers’ and Dealers’ Association. “The recent rental hike was not fully justified. This time also, those whose land is being used by the Army have not received a single penny from the Ministry,” he said.

Defence spokesman Lt Col Anil Mathur said the decision was announced by the MoD after a series of protests by discontented owners. “As per the new guidelines, no land or building should be occupied without completion of the hiring formalities,” he said, adding that “in the case of buildings, the Board of Officers should be convened promptly and proceedings completed within a period of 60 days from the date of occupation of the building.”

Mathur said after the takeover of any land, the Defence Estates Officer and Station Headquarters concerned should be intimated so that the Board of Officers could regularise the process within a month. “Now on, it’s mandatory to ask owners before hiring his land/house/building. The lease agreement should be signed at the time of takeover.”

Mathur said directions have also been passed to ensure that payments are made within a month. He added that the fresh guidelines would be implemented even in cases where the land is already occupied by the Armed Forces.

According to the new directions, the MoD has also delegated enhanced power in favour of local commanders of the Army and officials of

Defence Estates for speedy disposal of rentals at the ground level.