New legislation on the cards; Two Cabinet panels formed

LAND RIGHTS OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLE

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The State government will bring in a legislation to ensure the land rights and land protection of the indigenous people of Assam. This was stated by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary in the Budget session on Tuesday. The issue came up for discussion when AGP legislator Pabindra Deka took leave of the House to introduce ‘The Assam Transfer of land (Regulation) Bill, 2020’.

Stressing the need for a new legislation on the issue, MLA Deka said, “Without land right, no community can survive. The State government must protect the land rights of the indigenous people of Assam. The recently adopted ‘Land Policy-2019’ has not yet defined the term ‘indigenous’,” adding that “a permanent solution is required on this matter.”

Deka further said, “I may be correct or incorrect, but the NRC (National Citizens Register) 1951 and the electoral roll of 1952 can also be considered as the cutoff years for determining the indigenous people of the State. The first Assembly election in Assam after India’s Independence was conducted according to the electoral roll of 1952.”

In reply, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary said, “In 1989, a land policy was brought by the then AGP (Asom Gana Parishad) government. Another land policy has been adopted by the present government in 2019. Two Cabinet sub-committees have been formed on this issue. While one of the committees deals with the land rights and protection of the indigenous people, the other tackles the issue of encroachments in the tribal belts and blocks. The State government has given me the Chairman’s responsibility of both these Cabinet sub-committees. We will have discussions with various stakeholders.”

Stating that “Land rights must remain with the indigenous people of the State”, the Minister added, “The State government has decided to amend the original Land Act namely ‘The Assam Land & Revenue Regulation-1886’ in tune with the present time. Minister Patowary also sought suggestions on the proposed Bill from MLA Deka.

Taking part in the discussion, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Jogen Mohan said, “The government is serious about land rights of the indigenous people of Assam, and will bring in legislation soon.”

Mentionably after the assurances from both the Ministers, MLA Deka withdrew his motion on the new Bill.

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