In a significant move aimed at overhauling land management and revenue systems, Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the forthcoming launch of Basundhara 3.0 in full swing after the Lok Sabha elections. The initiative aims to revolutionise land management and ensure the reservation of revenue villages exclusively for ST and SC communities, a decision intended to address historical injustices and promote social equity.
Mission Basundhara, launched initially as Basundhara 1.0 in May 2022, provided essential land services to the populace, disposing of eight lakh land-related cases. Its successor, Mission Basundhara 2.0, rolled out in November 2022, focused on addressing the land rights of the State’s indigenous populations, demonstrating the Government’s commitment to resolving longstanding issues surrounding land ownership and distribution.
Under Mission Basundhara 2.0, over 13 lakh applications were processed, with 84 per cent of those receiving ‘Offer of Settlement’ belonging to marginalised communities such as ST, SC, OBC, and MOBC. Notably, significant land settlements were achieved in both the Brahmaputra and Barak Valleys, marking a step towards rectifying historical land grievances.
Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma highlighted the forthcoming Mission Basundhara 3.0 as a platform for introducing next-generation reforms. Notably, adjustments will be made regarding the eligibility criteria for land rights, particularly for marginalised communities like the tea garden workers, Vanvasi, and Gorkhas, streamlining the process and rectifying past injustices.
Additionally, Mission Basundhara 3.0 aims to address issues related to land occupation by organisations and cooperative societies, ensuring proper land rights allocation with defined criteria. Special provisions will be made for residents of Sunsali areas in Guwahati and Tea Garden Grant areas in Dibrugarh, offering them a one-time opportunity to apply for land pattas.
Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma emphasised the importance of utilising allotted lands for their intended purposes, warning of penal provisions for misallocation. The Government’s commitment to digitalising land records and enhancing geospatial mapping services underscores its dedication to modernising the land revenue system and promoting transparency.
Furthermore, the Chief Minister outlined plans for Mission Basundhara 4.0, focusing on the survey of char areas to mitigate risks posed to surrounding ecology and the environment. With a vision for a modernised land revenue system within the next five years, the Government aims to provide innovative solutions to all land-related issues, signalling a transformative era in land management in the State.
The unveiling of Basundhara 3.0 marks a pivotal moment in Assam’s quest for social equity and effective land management. Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma’s visionary approach underscores a commitment to rectify historical injustices and streamline land rights for marginalised communities. The comprehensive reforms outlined in Basundhara 3.0, coupled with the Government’s commitment to digitalisation and transparency, herald a new era in land governance. As Assam sets its sights on Mission Basundhara 4.0 and beyond, the State emerges as a beacon of progressive land management, poised to mitigate environmental risks and ensure equitable access to land resources for all its citizens.
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