Omar govt allows private member’s bill on lease renewal in J&K Assembly

Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather put the motion to a voice vote, which was cleared with support from NC members, while the opposition did not press for a division.

The proposed legislation seeks to counter the Jammu and Kashmir Land Grants Rules, 2022, which provide that certain expired leases, particularly in the tourism sector, will not be renewed and must instead be auctioned at market rates.

The issue has gained significance in view of expiring leases of several hotel owners in Gulmarg, a major tourist destination in north Kashmir.

If passed, the bill would enable renewal of leases for existing occupants instead of mandating fresh auctions, indicating the government’s position on land-related matters that have seen differences between the Union Territory administration and the elected government.