Seeks budget relief for rural land owners
STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: Former minister and senior BJP leader Sukhnandan Choudhary on Wednesday demanded the revocation of Sections 6 and 12 of the Agrarian Reforms Act, provisions introduced during the Sheikh Abdullah-led government in 1976, stating that these sections have become a major obstacle for rural landowners in Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing a press briefing, Choudhary said that land held under these sections cannot be freely bought or sold, which has severely restricted the rights of genuine landowners. He argued that while the intent of agrarian reforms decades ago may have been welfare-oriented, the continuation of these provisions in the present time has created serious hardships for rural residents.
He said that people living in villages often face urgent financial needs-such as expenses for children’s education, medical treatment, marriages, or other family necessities-but are unable to sell their land due to legal restrictions imposed under Sections 6 and 12. “This land has effectively become blocked property. Owners have possession but no real rights,” he remarked.
Sukhnandan Choudhary appealed to the Chief Minister to take note of the issue and include a provision in the current budget to revoke these sections, so that landowners can enjoy full ownership rights. He stressed that granting the right to buy and sell land would bring much-needed economic relief to rural households and help them manage their financial responsibilities with dignity.
He further said that empowering rural citizens with full land rights would also boost economic activity in villages and strengthen the rural economy, which remains the backbone of the region.
During the press briefing, Choudhary was accompanied by Deepak Pandey, District spokesperson, Dr Pradeep Majotra, Media Incharge, BJP, who supported the demand and emphasized that policy reforms must reflect present-day realities rather than outdated laws. He said the party has consistently raised issues related to farmers and rural residents and will continue to press for reforms that safeguard their interests.
The leaders urged the government to act without delay, stating that revocation of these restrictive provisions would be a long-pending corrective step and a significant relief for thousands of rural landowners across Jammu and Kashmir.