Kargil, Nov. 07: Ladakh New Industrial Land Allotment Policy 2023 which was recently implemented in Ladakh raised outrage among the civil society. After the coming into force of this policy Advocate Mustafa Haji raised concern over the policy that “in the policy there is no mention of LAHDC which indicates that the institution represented by people has been sidelined”.

During an interview with voice of Ladakh correspondent, advocate Mustafa Haji said that “despite our opinion in the draft of the policy in December 2022 the administration did not consider the opinions”.

He said that “such a policy is good for streamlining things and necessary for the economic development of region. But ignoring LAHDC in the policy related to land leasing and absences of public representatives in its three-level committee is a matter of concern, because LAHDC represent people spirit and deals with people”.

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He further added that “despite having power related to land to LAHDC no power has been given to it in the policy. However, the public represented institution should have role in the industrial land allotment”.

“India is a participatory Democracy and, in its policies, there should have public spirit and such a policy without the representation of people is an attack on democratic association. UT Administration and LAHDC both are for the welfare of people and forming a policy, bypassing LAHDC is undemocratic”.

The industrial land allotment policy came into force in 2023 aimed to bring economic prosperity for sustainable development and employment generation.

The policy states that there shall be three committees for land allotment on the base of investment in plant and machinery viz District Level Single Window Clearance Committee headed by DC/CEO, LAHDC; Department Level Single Window Clearance Committee headed by Secretary Industries and Commerce Ladakh; State Level Single Window Clearance Committee headed by Advisor, UT Ladakh.

Sayeeda Banoo

Sayeeda Banoo holds a Master's degree in Political Science and currently serves as a reporter with the Voice of Ladakh.