In order to project a clean image ahead of the Assembly election, Chief Minister Harish Rawat affirmed on Friday that to clean the Augean stables involving land allotted by the State Government since Uttarakhand came into being, his Government would conduct thorough inquiries.
The announcement came in the wake of allegations put forward by the Opposition saying that the State Government was allotting Government lands in violation of the norms. By such an announcement, the CM has sought to disarm his detractors like the four former CMs - Bhagat Singh Koshyari, Maj Gen Bhuwan Chandra Khanduri, Dr Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank and Vijay Bahuguna, say the observers.
Rawat categorically said that he would have all such land deals thoroughly probed so as to ascertain whether the lands allotted for the purpose were being used for the same or not. "It has been noticed that a few social organisations after being allotted lands for some specific purposes are not using them for the purpose they are meant for. A thorough probe thus is an imperative in the interests of the State," he said. He also cited that social organisations had been allotted 52 land in Garhwal and five in Kumaon divisions.
"If the administrative inquiry reveals that these organizations have violated the norms while retaining the lands judicial inquiry will follow," the CM averred.
"To ensure things move smoothly, detailed information is being provided to the inquiry officers. Besides, we are also collecting information about the allotment of land done before 2012 as well. It would conclude in the next two months," he said.
Himanshu Education Society was allotted 352 nali (a type of measurement in the hills) land and the land was given for education purpose only. The land was allotted @ Rs 3 lakh per annum - Rs 2 lakh to be given to Gram Panchayat and Rs 1 lakh as lease rent. It was stipulated that 30 percent seats, including 10 percent for local students and 20 percent for State Government employees' wards, would be allotted on the recommendation of the State only. local students would get 50 percent concession regarding fee. Besides, they were asked to open a 10-bed allopathic hospital where the locals would get free medical facility. The school would have capacity of 1,000 students and local people will be given first priority in providing food to the enrolled students. It was also stipulated during the land allocation that 30 percent employees would be recruited from the locality and remaining 70 percent employees will be recruited from across the State. The land has been allotted for a span of 30 years. Currently, a writ petition is pending before the High Court.