Alleged Violation in Use of Donated School Land Sparks Controversy in Rajouri ; Education Department Accused of Apathy; LG Urged to Intervene

GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL

RAJOURI DECM, 20:-A major controversy has erupted in Rajouri over the alleged misuse of land originally donated for educational purposes, raising serious questions about administrative accountability and the protection of donor rights.
According to details, a local landowner had donated a parcel of land several years ago to the Education Department for the construction of a Government Girls Higher Secondary School. A school building was constructed on the donated land and functioned for many years. However, due to the deteriorated condition of the old structure, the school was later shifted to another building located at Gujjar Mandi.
Despite the relocation of the school, the donated land along with the old building reportedly continues to remain under the control of the Education Department.
Recently, the controversy intensified after the Public Works Department (PWD) allegedly floated a tender for the construction of two rooms on the same land for the Social Welfare Department and Nehru Yuva Kendra. The landowner has alleged that the land was transferred from the Education Department for this purpose without his consent, despite the land being donated strictly for educational use.
Terming the move a “clear violation” of the terms and conditions under which the land was donated, the landowner has expressed strong resentment and stated that the land cannot legally be utilized for any purpose other than education without his prior approval.
The issue has drawn public attention, with allegations that the Education Department in Rajouri has remained a mute spectator to the entire development.
An appeal has been made to the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, seeking his immediate intervention. The landowner has urged the LG to direct the district administration Rajouri to stop any ongoing or proposed construction on the disputed land.
The landowner has further warned that if the construction work is not halted forthwith, he will be left with no alternative but to approach a competent court of law to seek justice.
The matter has now emerged as a flashpoint in Rajouri, highlighting concerns over governance, transparency, and respect for donor agreements in public welfare projects.