New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has written to Lt. Governor Anil Baijal demanding ownership rights to those who were allotted small plots of gram sabha land under Centre’s 20-point programme around four decades back.
Kejriwal said thousands of families living in Mehrauli, Najafgarh, Kanjhawala, Narela and Alipur villages, who were allotted small plots of gram sabha land in the 1970s and early 80s, are facing hardship.
He said the basic objective of these land allocations was to eradicate poverty and to improve the quality of life of the poor the under-privileged sections of the rural community.
Later, talking to reporters on the issue, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said the Delhi government had already approved the Bhumidhari (ownership) right in 2012, but as the then LG had a difference of opinion on this issue, he had referred the matter to the President.
“Since then, this issue is pending with the President …either LG withdraws this reference from President and grants approval to granting Bhumidari Rights or LG may use his good offices to get this proposal passed from the Centre and President,” Kejriwal has said in the letter.
He also said the Lt. Governor has the authority to take decision on land-related matters that falls under under his jurisdiction.
“I have been informed that those who are still in possession of the allotted land and are carrying out agricultural activities, as per the allotment of conditions, have a statutory right to the grant of Bhoomidhari (ownership) rights over such parcels of land,” Kejriwal said in the letter.
PTI