Reverification begins into Jagti flat allotments

Sumit Hakhoo

Tribune News Service

Jammu, October 6

The government has started reverification into the allotment of 600 flats at Jagti township after allegation of favouritism.

There is simmering discontent among 4,000 Pandits living in Jagti, 14 km from here, over the allotment of two-room sets in “violation of norms” during the previous National Conference-Congress government.

The agitated inhabitants are demanding a high-level probe to nail officials who denied flats to deserving families and allotted the accommodation to people with political affiliations.

Inaugurated on March 4, 2011 by then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, most of the displaced Pandit families living in squalid camps were shifted to the township.

A part of the rehabilitation plan announced by the Congress-led UPA government in 2005, Pandits have also been demanding investigation into the construction of 4,218 flats, spread in an area of 89 acres. The flats are in dilapidated condition and Pandits allege use of sub-standard material.

A senior official said the Relief Organisation, which was created in 1990 after the mass migration from the Valley, has initiated process to ascertain whether the actual allotees were living in the flats.

“Many of the families are not living there which raises doubt. These flats are meant exclusively for people who don’t have their own house. Whatever the outcome of investigation, action will be taken and possession will be given to genuine migrants,” said an official from the Relief Organisation.

“There is lot of confusion over allotment of two-room sets. Those who have their homes and live outside the state have been provided accommodation while poor people have been denied it,” alleged SL Pandita, president, Jagti Tenement Committee.

Showcased as satellite township to allay sufferings of the displaced Hindus, who spent years in squalid migrant camps in Jammu, Jagti inhabitants face regular power cuts, ration shortage and lack of health facilities.

Minister for Relief and Rehabilitation Syed Basharat Bukhari said: “We want to provide better facilities to the community and efforts are being made to streamline the process. Officials found involved in bypassing rules will have to face action.”