Admn approves special dispensation in strategic areas

Tribune News Service

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Srinagar, July 17

The Administrative Council today gave its nod to the proposal for amending the Control of Building Operations Act, 1988, and the J&K Development Act, 1970, to provide for a special dispensation for carrying out construction activities in the strategic areas, an official spokesman said.

The amendments proposed by the Housing and Urban Development Department will pave the way for notifying certain areas as “strategic” in terms of the requirement of the armed forces, and in such areas, the regulation of construction activity shall be through a special dispensation.

The move is aimed at simplifying the procedures and shall facilitate time-bound development of infrastructure of strategic importance, the spokesman said.

The approval has been granted keeping in view the strategic importance of certain locations and reconciling their security needs with developmental aspirations.

In another decision, the council accorded sanction to the proposal of the Housing and Urban Development Department for adoption and notification of J&K Housing, Affordable Housing, Slum Redevelopment and Rehabilitation and Township Policy, 2020.

The policy envisages seven models of housing, ranging from in-situ slum redevelopment to integrated township, to cater to the needs of every section of society said.

The council also approved the roll-out of the Excise Policy for the year 2020-21 and implementation of policy measures to improve transparency and objectivity related to renewal, cancellation, transfer of licenses and penalties.

The new policy aims to rationalise the number of taxes, duties and other levies to optimise revenues for the common good and bring about greater social consciousness about the harmful effects of consumption of liquor and alcoholic beverages, the spokesman said.

The policy envisages checking bootlegging of Bottled in Origin (BiO) brands from neighbouring states, besides providing choice of brands and a level playing field to those in the business.

To tackle the slowdown of economy due to the pandemic, the council aimed to address concerns amongst various stake-holders and approved a relief package to revive the economy.