Minister for Cooperatives, Javid Ahmad Dar, today informed the Legislative Assembly that the government has intensified efforts to protect cooperative assets across Jammu and Kashmir while initiating key reforms to strengthen governance in the sector.
Responding to a starred question by MLA Narinder Singh Raina, the Minister stated that cooperative institutions own 728 kanals of land, of which 694 kanals are currently in possession, while approximately 36 kanals and 12 marlas—nearly 5%—are under illegal encroachment.
He further stated that in the Kashmir division, around 12 kanals and 16 marlas are affected in districts including Baramulla, Bandipora, and Srinagar due to litigation, historical occupation, and local disputes. In the Jammu division, approximately 23 kanals and 8.5 marlas are under encroachment in Jammu, Kathua, and Kishtwar, primarily due to demarcation issues and pending court cases.
The Minister said that the department is pursuing legal remedies and coordinating with district authorities for recovery, although ongoing litigation has slowed progress in some cases.
Highlighting the reforms, he said that the government plans to merge the Jammu and Kashmir Cooperative Societies Act, 1989, and the Jammu and Kashmir Self-Reliant Cooperative Act, 1999, into a single legislation to ensure stronger audit mechanisms, accountability, and uniform governance.
Responding to concerns regarding cooperative land in Ranbir Singh Pura, the Minister assured strict action to protect assets and remove encroachments in accordance with the law.
