DEHRADUN: Following protests in many districts, including a major one in Dehradun recently, Uttarakhand is likely to make key
amendments
in its land law, making it tougher for people from other states to buy land in the Himalayan state.
In 2003, ND Tiwari, the then CM of Uttarakhand, had introduced an amendment that allowed "
outsiders
" to purchase land in
hill areas
, but only up to a limit of 500 sqm.
The limit was further reduced to 250 sqm by the BJP government led by BC Khanduri to prevent the sale and purchase of large plots in hill districts. In 2017, however, former chief minister Trivendra Rawat lifted all
restrictions
to attract investments in hilly areas by making amendments in the UP Zamindari Abolition and Land Reforms Act, 1950. In fact, the land purchase limit was raised from 12.5 acres to 30 acres for work related to tourism, energy, industry, agriculture and horticulture.
In municipal areas, though, there are no such restrictions for people of other states. But
local residents
are now demanding that power to buy land even in municipal areas be curtailed to 250 sqm and a complete ban be imposed on sale of land in rural areas. Other demands include issuance of domicile certificates, 80% jobs to locals in industrial units and making public the details of land given on lease since the formation of state in 2000.
The state government has formed a five-member committee for a detailed study of a draft report submitted by a panel headed by ex-chief secretary Subhash Kumar in 2022, which had made a total of 23 recommendations. The panel is headed by additional chief secretary Radha Raturi with principal secretary (legal), secretary revenue, secretary general administration, and Jagdish Kandpal, additional secretary to the chief minister, as members.
Sources maintained that the state, on the basis of the recommendations in the 2022 report, may limit the sale and purchase of land in the hills to 12.5 acres again. Besides, for people belonging to other states, provisions may be made tougher to purchase land in areas within and outside the municipal limits.
On December 24, various social organisations under the aegis of Uttarakhand Mool Niwas Swabhimaan Samanvya Samiti (MNSSS) took out a massive rally in Dehradun demanding a stringent land law and more employment opportunities for locals.
Mohit Dimri, convener of MNSSS, said, "The basic idea behind creating a new state was to save our people, forest and land. However, there has been uncontrolled sale and purchase of land. That's why we are demanding a strict land law in the Himalayan state."
MNSSS is now planning to form teams in each district and block. "This is a fight to save our culture and identity. The issues raised by us impact every resident," Dimri said.
Commenting on the issue, CM Pushkar Singh Dhami said on Tuesday, "A decision, which is in the favour of people of Uttarakhand, would be taken soon."
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