The Jammu and Kashmir Civic Laws (Special Provisions) Act, 2014 was passed in both Houses of the legislature today with voice vote. In the Assembly the Bill was moved by the Deputy Chief Minister, Dr Nirmal Singh while in the Legislative Council the Bill was moved by the Minister of State for Housing, Ms Asiea Naqash.

The L.A. Bill No. 5 of 2017 pertains to the amendment  to J&K Civic Laws regarding  the formulation of a policy to deal with or regulate the unauthorized constructions in the local areas of Jammu, Srinagar and Katra towns. The policy should be in consonance with  the Master Plan as may be modified as reviewed under the Housing & Urban Development Act, 1970.

The mid-term revision of the Master Plans of Jammu, Srinagar and Katra under J&K Development Act, 1970 has been undertaken by the department, but due to certain unavoidable circumstances the deadlines projected for completion of the Master Plan could not be accomplished, thereby causing a delay in finalization of the proposed policy required under the Act for regularization of unauthorized construction to the extent possible within the ambit/framework of the modified Master Plans. Now, the said policy has been framed and also approved by the State Cabinet.

As the term  of the Act consequent to its extension vide J&K Civic Laws (Special Provision) Amendment Act, 2014 expired on 31st of March, 2017, and required further extension up to 30th of September,2017 to implement the policy to regulate the unauthorized construction in the aforementioned local areas.

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