JAMMU: With an aim to curb the haphzard and illegal constructions which have assumed an alarming proportion in rural areas, the Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj has accorded sanction to accord permission for construction related activities in rural areas of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
It’s worth to mentioned here that taking advantage of absence of any authority, large number of illegal commercial structures were constructed haphazardously in several parts of Jammu district which falls in Panchayat halqas in connivance with SDM in past especially in Chowadhi, Sunjawan, Bhathindi etc
As per the order issued by DoRD & PR “In exercise of powers conferred by Section 12 sub section 2 (iv) of Jammu and Kashmir Panchayati Raj Act, 1989 read with Rule 155 & 156 of J&K Panchayati Raj Rules, 1996, as amended from time to time, sanction is hereby accorded to the designation of competent authority for grant of permission for construction/re-construction/alteration of residential/ commercial buildings in rural areas of J&K”.
In case of permission for residential buildings within the Panchayat jurisdiction, the Competent Authority/Committee will comprised of Sarpanch of the Halqa Panchayat, VLW (Panchayat Secretary) of Halqa and Patwari Halqa.
Pertaining to permission for commercial buildings including shops as well as other buildings including government, the Competent Authority/Committe has been designated as Sub-Divisional Magistrate concerned (Chairman), Tehsildar concerned, Town Planning Officer concerned, BDO concerned and Sarpanch of Halqa Panchayat.
“The designated Committees can co-opt members from any government department as may be required for the purpose of taking decision for grant of permission”, the order reads further adding “Procedure as prescribed in the Rule 155 shall be followed by the above said committees for the purpose of grant of permission.”
“Fees for the said permissions shall be decided by the said committees and shall be remitted to the Panchayat fund of that Halqa Panchayat within the jurisdiction of which these buildings/constructions fall and these committees shall also be competent authorities for the purpose of levy of penalty under rule 156 of the aforesaid rules”, the order further reads.