Jagti Township Scandal

Non State subject alloted quarter at Jagti

Dismissing the reports that one non-state subject was alloted quarter meant for Kashmiri migrants in Jammu, Revenue Minister Raman Bhalla said an inquiry would be conducted into the alleged irregularities in the allotments.

In reply to a question by National Conference (NC) member, Mir Saifullah, Mr Bhalla said 4278 flats were allotted to Kashmiri migrants in Jammu while 341 two room transit accommodation was allotted to migrants in the Kashmir valley.

He said the transit accommodation in the Kashmir division has been allotted to the migrant employees on sharing basis who have been appointed under Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s employment package.

Mr Bhalla said as per the policy, the migrants who had continuously stayed in old camps and have not constructed their own houses, qualified for the allotment of flats.

He said proper verification was carried out and allotment made in favour of such migrant families.

He said that no single person has been allotted two flats.

Mr Bhalla also said that no non state subject has ever been considered for allotment so that question of allotting to any does not arise.

However, Mr Mir challenged the reply and alleged that some officials, including one kingpin Vinod Bhat and Commissioner have alloted flats to people on money consideration.

The member read out names of people, who have been allotted two flats.

He also alleged that a non state subject Ramesh Kumar, resident of Gurdaspur was also allotted a flat.

The member said that the officials in the Department responsible for the allotment of flats were ignoring the deserving migrants and allotting flats to those who pay bribe.

Mr Mir further alleged that 80 per cent of the flats were allotted to persons belonging to a particular district while others were ignored.

"I do not doubt your (Ministers) honesty, but the officials have not deliberately given the list of the persons allotted flats and quarters to hide the facts which could have exposed them," Mr Mir said.

Mr Bhalla assured the member and House that he will conduct inquiry and punish the guilty if any irregularities were found.