Desk Report, February 16, 2024: In a significant move towards addressing long-standing land rights issues, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma officially launched Mission Basundhara 3.0 in Assam. This flagship scheme aims to secure land pattas for the original inhabitants and indigenous people of the state.
Land Rights Post Assam Movement:
Despite the Assam Movement, the indigenous people continued to face challenges in obtaining land rights, highlighted Chief Minister Sarma. Mission Basundhara 3.0 is a crucial step towards rectifying this issue.
Simplified Process:
Sarma emphasized the government’s efforts in streamlining the process for indigenous people to secure land pattas under this scheme. The launch took place at Srimanta Sankaradev Kalakshetra in Guwahati.
Phases of Mission Basundhara:
The Chief Minister recounted the progress made through previous phases, with the second phase successfully providing land pattas to 2,29,659 people out of 13 lakh applicants.
Inclusion of Marginalized Communities:
Mission Basundhara 3.0 extends its coverage to tea garden workers, Adivasis, the Gorkha community, and even exempts scheduled castes and scheduled tribes from producing documents dating back three generations.
Repeal of Bhoodan Gramdan Act:
The government has decided to repeal the Bhoodan Gramdan Act, and lands remaining after distributing pattas will be converted into government lands.
Stricter Measures for Tea Gardens:
To prevent misuse, Sarma outlined measures to ensure that those already owning land do not benefit from the scheme. Selling tea garden lands to any organization will attract a jail term of seven years.
Survey on Temple Lands:
District commissioners will conduct surveys to identify lands under temples. Illegal encroachments, such as Don Bosco University’s case, will be addressed.
Focus on Jointly Held Lands:
Urging the revenue department to concentrate on separating jointly held lands, Sarma highlighted the issues arising due to joint ownership.
Introduction of NGDRS:
The Chief Minister launched the National Generic Document Registration System (NGDRS), aiming to streamline land ownership and requiring an NOC for land sale.
Future Plans – Mission Basundhara 4.0:
Sarma laid out plans for Mission Basundhara 4.0, focusing on surveying Char lands and ensuring safety in heritage belts and blocks.
Digitalization Initiatives:
Sarma announced the abolition of Employment Exchange, IWT, and DTO offices, with all related services moving online soon.
In his closing statements, Chief Minister Sarma urged officials to uphold the integrity of the Land Revenue Act and emphasized the importance of securing pending land taxes to avoid government acquisition.
Also read: Assam Education Minister Denies Question Paper Leak Amidst Examination Controversy
