Sensitization on CLU policy with officers of A&FW deptt held

Ang: A sensistization session was held at DC Office here regarding recently notified Jammu and Kashmir Agricultural Land (Conversion for Non Agricultural Purposes) Regulations, 2022.The session was presided over by Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC), Ghulam Hassan Sheikh.
Addressing the participants, the ADC gave an overview of the Land Revenue Act with focus on amendments. He drew a detailed comparison in various provisions of the Act that were in practice prior to application of the new amendment and the roles and responsibilities it entailed for officers of Agriculture department.
Referring to the previous act, Sheikh said that there was prohibition on conversion of agricultural land and the Revenue Minister was the only competent authority for sanctioning land conversions.
He said the process was tedious which worked out to the disadvantage of entrepreneurs and businessmen.
The amendment, he said eased out procedural formalities and empowered Deputy Commissioners to approve land conversion after obtaining the pre-requisite NOCs from stakeholder departments like Agriculture, Power, Pollution,Jalshakti, Irrigation and Flood control, revenue, forest departments, etc.
Sheikh said the amendment has balanced the land use, adding that it will systematise the land conversion bringing revenue for the government besides preventing wanton use of agriculture land for non- agriculture purposes.
The ADC said the notification issued by BOARD of Revenue has brought the service under the ambit of PSGA. The application has to be filed on line and the member secretary of the district level committee (ACR) after processing the application on line has to complete and dispose it off within a month.
Sheikh said, the procedure empowers DCAS to issue sanction for the land conversion on the recommendation of district level committee, adding the reports must reach to the member secretary within 15 days. It was impressed upon the officials to familiarise themselves with the changes and ensure that all relevant formalities are carefully and timely completed.
Sheikh also threw light on various sections of the Land Revenue Act and explained in detail the pros and cons of the modifications.
An interactive session followed the lecture. Some participants raised genuine doubts about the applicability of various sections, which were elaborately replied along with practical examples by the chair.
The session was attended by CAO, sub divisional agricultural officers, among others.