JAMMU: Putting a big question mark on the well-meaning effort of Vice Chairperson, Jammu Development Authority Sushma Chouhan in ensuring fair allotment of residential plots by draw of lots in the winter capital, some unscrupulous elements have got plots despite being ineligible, as per norms.
The plots, essentially meant for houseless persons, can’t be considered for those having properties. She has succeeded in restoring back the credibility of JDA and enhancing its image despite non-cooperation and intrigue by the vested interests. However, some insiders in the JDA and their relatives have managed plots by concealing the facts about their properties while filling up the forms. Sources told STATE TIMES that the unscrupulous applicants, having huge movable and immovable properties, willfully concealed facts and participated in the draw of lots on fake declarations thus befooling the Jammu Development Authority.
Sources said that many aggrieved persons, who could not make it in the draw of lots, have sought probe into the antecedents of those having allotted plots despite owning properties.
The Vice Chairperson has earned a reputation for herself during her brief stint in the JDA by retrieving the land from grabbers and breaking nexus at various levels. The draw of lots in respect of plots has, however, caused a shadow despite the sincere efforts of Sushma Chouhan to hold the process impartially and in a transparent manner. Such was the credibility of the process of allotment that even those who could not make it during draw of lots praised the manner with which the VC JDA accomplished the sensitive task. The procedure adopted got appreciation from one and all. The unlucky ones, who could not get plots, also expressed satisfaction over the process.
Citing the unscrupulous methods adopted by some influential persons, the sources told STATE TIMES that a Corporator, having property in his own name and that of the family members, submitted over a dozen forms to JDA and succeeded in getting a plot. Similar other cases were reported in which plots stand allotted to ‘ineligible applicants’ in the draw of lots.
Demand for independent probe by in-house or outside agency is gaining momentum as the details of those getting plots are becoming public.