Dhami Government DEHRADUN: “Our government will resolve the land law issue,” says Chief Minister Dhami.
Chief Minister addressed the media at the Secretariat Media Center.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, on Friday, made a major announcement regarding land laws in the state, signaling that his government is taking a firm stand on the matter. Addressing journalists at the Media Center in the state secretariat, the Chief Minister stated that his administration is committed to introducing comprehensive land law reforms in the upcoming budget session.
Chief Minister’s Strong Stand on Land Law Reform
During his address, Chief Minister Dhami emphasized that the current provisions regarding land purchase outside municipal areas in Uttarakhand are being exploited. Currently, any individual can purchase up to 250 square meters of land without prior permission in non-municipal areas. However, the government has become aware of cases where people are bypassing these rules by purchasing land under different names within the same family, violating the intended restrictions.
The Chief Minister assured the public that these cases would be investigated, and those found guilty of such violations would face strict action. “We will scrutinize these transactions, and the land acquired through such means will be vested back to the state government,” Dhami declared.
Crackdown on Misuse of Land Acquired for Commercial Purposes
The Chief Minister also addressed another critical issue regarding land purchased for specific commercial activities such as tourism and industry. He noted that in many instances, individuals or companies had obtained land under the pretext of developing tourism or industrial ventures but failed to use the land for the intended purpose. “We are compiling data on such lands, and strict action will be taken against these individuals. Their lands, too, will be vested with the state,” he warned.
This announcement is part of the government’s broader effort to ensure that land is used appropriately and not for speculative purposes that do not benefit the state’s economy or local communities.
Reviewing Changes Made in 2017
Chief Minister Dhami also discussed the 2017 amendments to the state’s land laws, noting that some of the changes made during that time have not yielded the expected positive outcomes. For instance, the abolition of the maximum land purchase limit of 12.5 acres and the authorization given to district officials to approve land purchases (instead of the earlier practice of state-level approval) has led to several unintended consequences.
The Chief Minister indicated that these provisions would be reviewed, and if necessary, they would be repealed. “We will re-evaluate these changes, and if found unsuitable for the state’s interests, we will reverse them,” Dhami said, signaling a potential rollback of the 2017 amendments.
Protecting Uttarakhand’s Identity and Economy
Chief Minister Dhami assured the people of Uttarakhand that the proposed land law reforms are designed to protect the state’s unique identity and prevent any misuse of its resources. However, he was quick to clarify that these reforms are not aimed at hindering genuine investments that contribute to the state’s development.
“Those who are investing in Uttarakhand to promote tourism, education, industry, and trade, thereby generating employment and strengthening the economy, have nothing to worry about. These reforms will not affect anyone who is genuinely contributing to the state’s growth,” Dhami stated, easing concerns of entrepreneurs and investors who may have been worried about the upcoming changes.
A Sensitive Approach to Land and Domicile Issues
The Chief Minister also emphasized that his government is sensitive to both land law reforms and the issue of domicile. The state has seen increasing concerns from locals regarding non-residents purchasing land, which many believe threatens the demographic and cultural balance of the region. Dhami assured the people that his administration is working towards a solution that reflects Uttarakhand’s unique geographic and social circumstances.
“Our government is sensitive to the issues of land laws and domicile. We are working diligently to ensure that the new land law is in line with Uttarakhand’s geographic realities,” he said. The Chief Minister affirmed that the upcoming budget session would see efforts to bring forth a comprehensive land law aimed at protecting Uttarakhand’s interests.
Resolving Long-Pending Issues
Chief Minister Dhami reminded the public that his government has resolved several long-standing issues since March 2021. “Our government has a track record of addressing various issues that have been unresolved for years. I want to assure the people of Uttarakhand that we will solve the land law issue as well, just as we have tackled other challenges,” he said confidently.
The CM’s announcement of a comprehensive land law being in the works has been well-received by the public, especially those concerned about the preservation of Uttarakhand’s land and identity. Dhami’s commitment to reforming the state’s land laws is being seen as a crucial step in protecting the region’s fragile ecosystem and ensuring that the land is used for the state’s development and not for speculative profiteering.
Conclusion
The Dhami government’s bold move towards land law reforms is a significant development for Uttarakhand. By focusing on preventing the misuse of land, the state administration aims to protect the region’s unique cultural and geographical identity while also promoting genuine investments that can boost the local economy. With the upcoming budget session likely to bring more clarity and structure to these reforms, the residents of Uttarakhand can look forward to stronger regulations that prioritize the well-being of the state and its people.
