Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today acknowledged that Jammu and Kashmir has received fewer assets in the apportionment process following its bifurcation but stated that the distribution was carried out as per the recommendations of an Advisory Committee constituted under the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act, 2019.
Responding to a written question and subsequent supplementaries by National Conference MLA Tanvir Sadiq in the Legislative Assembly during Question Hour, Abdullah said that while Jammu and Kashmir received a smaller share of assets, the government intends to resolve the issue through mutual understanding rather than legal battles, citing the ongoing dispute between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
Accommodation and Infrastructure Plans
“To address accommodation requirements, the Government has acquired a 3,179.58-square-meter plot in Dwarka, Delhi, on a perpetual leasehold basis from the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) for constructing a J&K Bhavan complex. Additionally, we are exploring the possibility of creating additional accommodation on Prithviraj Road in Delhi,” Abdullah said.
When Sadiq suggested that Jammu and Kashmir Houses outside the Union Territory should reflect local culture and cuisine like those of Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh, Abdullah assured that J&K’s buildings will showcase its cultural heritage. He further stated that employment opportunities at these establishments would be given to local residents and that traditional Kashmiri and Dogra cuisines would be prioritized.
Concerns Over Chandigarh Property Transfer
During the session, NC MLA Nazir Gurezi raised concerns about the allocation of J&K’s property in Chandigarh to Ladakh. “Where will the patients from Jammu and Kashmir visiting PGI Chandigarh for treatment go?” he questioned.
Abdullah responded by clarifying that J&K still retains structures in Sector 17, Chandigarh, and plans are underway to modify and expand them to cater to patients visiting the city for medical treatment.
Asset Apportionment and Encroachment Issues
Abdullah stated that the apportionment of assets from the erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir was executed based on the Advisory Committee’s recommendations and a separate government-formed committee.
He highlighted that a significant portion of the Guest House at Chanakyapuri, Delhi, has been allocated to Ladakh, limiting accommodation options at J&K House in the national capital.
Addressing concerns over encroachments, Abdullah revealed that a J&K government-owned property in Delhi, measuring one kanal and 11.2 marlas, had been illegally occupied. “Unauthorized individuals who were not duly sanctioned by the Estates Office or the Resident Commission had taken over the property. However, they have now been successfully evicted, and the Resident Commissioner has regained possession of the premises,” he informed the Assembly.
Financial Liabilities and Resolution Efforts
The Chief Minister further noted that financial liabilities amounting to Rs 2,504.46 crore are yet to be transferred to Ladakh. “The matter has been taken up with the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ladakh administration,” he said.
On August 5, 2019, the Central Government had bifurcated the erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories—J&K and Ladakh—while also abrogating its special status. Abdullah emphasized that despite limited asset allocation, the J&K Government remains committed to ensuring fair distribution through mutual consensus and dialogue rather than prolonged legal battles.
