CM addresses Press Conference in Doon
By Arun Pratap Singh
Dehradun, 27 Sep: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami addressed a press conference at the Media Centre in the Secretariat here, today, indicating that very strict land laws will be implemented soon in the state to restrict outsiders from purchasing more than the permitted area of land. It may be recalled that, in view of sky-rocketing land prices in the state and a large number of outsiders purchasing land on a large scale, there has been a demand by many local people, environmentalists as well as political activists to bring a very strict law restricting outsiders from purchasing land in the state.
Since last year, the movement of youth regarding strict land laws and domicile laws has gained momentum in the state. Recently, a huge demonstration was also held in Gairsain in pursuance of this demand.
Perhaps to address this issue, the CM today addressed the press for the first time since taking over to clarify the government’s stand in this respect.
Dhami reminded that at present in Uttarakhand, any person can buy two hundred and fifty square metres of land outside the municipal limits without permission, but it has come to the notice that the said provisions are being violated by purchasing land in the name of different members of the same family. He claimed the government will get the matter investigated and any such land purchased in the name of different family members in violation of the rules will be acquired by the government.
Dhami said that, in addition, there are a number of cases where the land has been purchased by outsiders for a specifically declared purpose but is not being used for the purpose. He said that the details of such land is being obtained where the people have purchased land with due permission for business activities like tourism, industry, etc., but are not using that land for this purpose. He claimed that strict action will be taken against such people and their property will be vested in the state government.
The CM observed that it has also come to notice that the changes made in the land purchase rules in the year 2017 have not yielded very positive results in restraining such land deals. He said that such provisions will be reviewed and if necessary, will be abolished.
Dhami however clarified that there is no need for any person who wants to invest, set up industries, provide employment to be wary of the upcoming laws. The government will fully support them. He clarified that the intended measures will be taken with the objective of saving the original form and demography of Uttarakhand. The investors, whether individuals or firms or companies or other institutions, planning to invest here and generate employment opportunities in different sectors like tourism, education, industry, trade, etc., in Uttarakhand will always be welcome to invest here and strengthen the economy. The CM added that it is the priority of the state government to encourage investment in all areas in the state but at the same time is very sensitive about issues like land law and domicile. Therefore, during the next budget session, the new land law is likely to be implemented in the state in accordance with the geographical conditions. The CM shared that a committee has already been formed to prepare a draft for the implementation of strict land law in the state. This committee constituted under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary is preparing a draft of the land law.
The CM claimed that the BJP Government is sensitive about the issue of land laws and laws related to domicile. Therefore, the government is trying to come up with a comprehensive land law in accordance with the geographical conditions of Uttarakhand in the next budget session. He said that just as his government has resolved various long-standing issues from March 2021 onwards, he wishes to assure the people of Uttarakhand that his government will also resolve the issue of land laws. He added that the decisions will be taken after holding discussions with the stakeholders and keeping in view everyone’s sentiments, all the parties concerned and the experts on any pending issues.
In response to a question about the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), the CM reminded that a review meeting is going on this issue right now. However, he also clarified that under the present circumstances, it appears that there is little possibility of UCC being implemented on the state formation day on 9 November. Admitting that the deadline for implementing the UCC was fixed on 9 November, he added that the committee is trying its best. But there are still some provisions that have to be made. That is why the implementation is getting delayed. The committee will meet again in the first week of October and then it will become clear when the UCC will be implemented.
