KD NEWS SERVICE
SRINAGAR/NEW DELHI, July 9: The Jammu and Kashmir House in New Delhi, once a dependable shelter for UT residents seeking medical care, educational help, or official work in the capital, has come under sharp public criticism following the demolition of its fourth floor. This space, previously home to multiple functional rooms for ordinary citizens, is now being replaced with high-end suites exclusively meant for VIPs — a decision that has drawn widespread condemnation from civil society, activists, and common citizens alike.
At the heart of the growing controversy lies a fundamental question: Should a facility built to serve the people be prioritizing the comfort of a privileged few during a severe accommodation crunch?
Floor Razed, People Displaced
According to officials and eyewitness accounts, the entire fourth floor of the J&K House — which had been regularly used by patients, students, and government employees — has been dismantled. In its place, the Resident Commission is reportedly constructing luxurious VIP suites. What’s more alarming is that the construction is allegedly being carried out using old and recycled building materials, raising red flags about safety standards and the overall integrity of the project.
The demolition has drastically reduced the number of available rooms at the facility, leaving the general public scrambling for accommodation alternatives.
“Earlier, it was difficult to get a room. Now it’s next to impossible,” said Feroze Ahmad, a Srinagar resident who recently accompanied his ailing father to Delhi for treatment. “We ended up spending thousands on a private guest house. Not everyone can afford that.”
Elite Priorities, Public Neglect
The project has triggered strong reactions across social and activist circles. Many accuse the administration of ignoring the basic needs of the public while indulging in elite appeasement.
“The J&K House was meant to offer relief to citizens in need — not luxury for VIPs,” said a prominent RTI activist who has filed multiple queries about the project. “Instead of increasing capacity or improving existing rooms, the administration has chosen to shrink availability for common people and build lavish suites for bureaucrats and politicians.”
The activist also questioned the use of old materials in the construction. “There’s been no public tender, no shared plan, and no clarity on budget allocation. Who is overseeing this? Where is the accountability?”
Behind Closed Doors
Several internal sources suggest that the renovation is being carried out without a detailed master plan, public consultation, or formal audit mechanisms. Critics have described the entire process as opaque and possibly riddled with irregularities.
“This is public property, built with taxpayers’ money, and yet the public knows nothing about what’s happening inside,” said a retired senior bureaucrat. “There is zero transparency. One wonders if this is simply about convenience — or something more questionable.”
Legal and Civic Pushback
As dissatisfaction spreads, calls for official investigation and transparency are growing louder. Delhi-based lawyer Advocate Asif Mir, who often supports Kashmiris in distress, has demanded an immediate audit and inquiry.
“This is a misuse of public infrastructure. The administration must explain why essential accommodation was demolished, what funds are being used, and why the information is being kept from the public eye,” Mir said.
Several RTI applications have reportedly been submitted to the Jammu and Kashmir Resident Commission, seeking clarity on project costs, construction materials, contractor names, and approval processes — but remain unanswered.
Public Trust at Stake
Once seen as a sanctuary for J&K residents facing emergencies in the capital, the Jammu and Kashmir House is fast losing public confidence. With reduced room capacity, unanswered queries, and an administration unwilling to clarify, the facility now stands as a symbol of alienation — where privilege thrives at the cost of public service.
Unless swift action is taken to restore transparency and public access, critics warn, the J&K House may cease to represent the very people it was meant to support.
