The Roshni Act: An In-Depth Analysis
Introduction
The Jammu and Kashmir State Lands (Vesting of Ownership to the Occupants) Act, 2001, commonly known as the Roshni Act, was intended to generate revenue for the development of hydroelectric projects by transferring ownership of state land to its occupants.
Objectives
The primary objective was to raise funds for power projects in Jammu and Kashmir by selling state land to illegal occupants at market rates. The scheme was expected to generate significant revenue while regularizing unauthorized land use.
Implementation
Implementation began in 2001 and initially showed promise. The government hoped to raise around Rs. 25,000 crore, but actual revenues fell far short of this target. The act saw amendments in 2005 to broaden its scope, but these changes failed to address core issues.
Controversies and Challenges
– **Corruption**:
The act became synonymous with corruption. It was alleged that influential people obtained land at throwaway prices, and large-scale encroachments were regularized without proper checks.
– **Revenue Shortfall**: Contrary to expectations, the act generated only about Rs. 76 crore instead of the projected Rs. 25,000 crore.
– **Legal Issues**:
Questions were raised about the legality of regularizing encroached land, leading to numerous court cases and public outcry.
Judicial Intervention
In 2018, the Jammu and Kashmir High Court termed the act unconstitutional and directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to probe alleged irregularities. In 2020, the Supreme Court upheld the High Court’s decision, leading to the nullification of the act and a directive for land to be retrieved and reverted to state ownership.
Implications
The nullification of the Roshni Act has several implications:
– **Governance**: It exposed serious lapses in governance and administrative oversight.
– **Legal Precedents**: It set legal precedents regarding state land and encroachment policies.
– **Land Reforms**: Highlighted the need for comprehensive land reforms and strict anti-corruption measures.
Conclusion
The Roshni Act’s failure underscores the necessity for transparent, corruption-free governance and effective land management policies. While its intentions were noble, the execution revealed significant systemic weaknesses that must be addressed in future policy formulations.
Key Points for IAS Exam Preparation
- – Understand the objectives and intended benefits of the Roshni Act.
- – Analyze the reasons behind its failure, focusing on corruption, revenue shortfall, and administrative challenges.
- – Evaluate the legal and judicial responses to the act.
– Reflect on the broader implications for land reform and governance in India.
This comprehensive overview should provide a solid foundation for writing an article and preparing for discussions related to land reforms and governance in the IAS exam.
