SRINAGAR/NEW DELHI, July 9: The Jammu and Kashmir House in New Delhi, a vital facility meant to accommodate residents of the Union Territory visiting the national capital, is facing growing public outrage over the controversial demolition of its fourth floor to construct VIP suites. The move, which comes at a time of an acute accommodation shortage, has sparked accusations of gross mismanagement, elitism, and lack of transparency.
The fourth floor, which previously housed several functional rooms used by patients, students, and government employees from J&K, has been entirely razed. In its place, the Resident Commission is reportedly building luxury suites exclusively for VIPs — and doing so using old or recycled construction materials, according to officials familiar with the developments.
Room shortage worsens*
The demolition has drastically reduced the number of available rooms in the J\&K House, making it even more difficult for common citizens to find lodging during urgent visits to the capital — especially for medical treatment, administrative work, or education-related purposes. “Getting a room at J\&K House was already a challenge. Now, with an entire floor gone, it’s nearly impossible for ordinary citizens,” said Feroze Ahmad, a Srinagar resident who recently accompanied his father for treatment at AIIMS.
Many visitors are now being forced to stay in expensive private hotels or guest houses in Delhi, burdening families who come from economically weaker backgrounds.
### *VIP comfort vs public need*
The decision to construct VIP suites at the cost of basic public accommodation has angered civil society groups, activists, and former officials. “The very purpose of the J&K House is being defeated. Instead of expanding capacity or modernising existing rooms, they are catering to VIPs. This speaks volumes about the priorities of the administration,” said an RTI activist who has filed queries regarding the renovation expenses.
Activists argue that the current state of the J&K House reflects a broader pattern of governance where elite comfort is prioritised over public welfare. “What’s even more troubling is that these suites are being constructed using old materials, raising questions about safety and transparency. Who approved this? Was there any public tendering process?” the activist asked.
### *Allegations of mismanagement*
Sources within the department allege that the renovation is being carried out without a detailed master plan or public consultation. There are also concerns that costs may be inflated and accountability diluted due to the lack of regular audits or oversight.
“This entire renovation project is being executed behind closed doors. No details have been shared with the public about the cost, the contractors involved, or the reasons behind using old materials for new VIP rooms. It reeks of mismanagement and possibly corruption,” said a senior retired bureaucrat familiar with the functioning of the Resident Commission.
### *Calls for probe, audit grow louder*
With no official statement yet from the Jammu and Kashmir Resident Commission in Delhi, the silence has only intensified suspicion. Civil society groups are now demanding a full audit of the renovation work, including a breakdown of expenditures and the rationale for demolishing the existing floor.
“Public properties are meant to serve the people, not just a handful of high-ranking officials. There should be a detailed inquiry into this,” said advocate Asif Mir, a Delhi-based lawyer who often assists Kashmiris with legal help in the capital.
Several RTI applications seeking information about the renovation project, expenditure, and design plans have reportedly gone unanswered — compounding concerns about opacity in the functioning of the J\&K House.
### *No end in sight*
Until recently, the J&K House was seen as a refuge for residents needing government support during difficult times in Delhi. However, with reduced capacity, silence from the administration, and rising discontent, the facility now symbolizes a growing disconnect between governance and the people it is meant to serve.
As criticism mounts and calls for accountability grow louder, the future of the J\&K House renovation project — and the public trust in its management — remains uncertain
