Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has written to lieutenant-Governor Anil Baijal demanding ownership rights to those who were allotted small plots of gram sabha land under the 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.
Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia while talking to media, said the Delhi Government had already approved the Bhumidhari (ownership) right in 2012, but as the then l-G had a difference of opinion on this issue, he had referred the matter to the President. “The farmers had visited the CM here and we have seen everything. It is with the Centre since 2012,” Sisodia said at a Press conference on Wednesday evening.
“Since then, this issue is pending with the President ...Either l-G withdraws this reference from President and grants approval to granting Bhumidari Rights or l-G 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 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 Bhumidhari (ownership) rights over such parcels of land,” Kejriwal said in the letter.