Nod to UP law empowering Dalits to sell land to non-Dalits

Dalits in Uttar Pradesh will now be able to sell their land to non-Dalits with Governor Ram Naik on Tuesday giving assent to an ordinance that seeks to amend the original pre-British era revenue law.

Naik gave his assent to the UP Revenue Code (Amendment) Ordinance 2015, a Raj Bhawan spokesman said.

The amendment, which allows Dalits to sell their lands to non-Dalits even if they are left with less than 3.5 acre, drew instant flak from Opposition Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), which accused the ruling Samajwadi Party (SP) of robbing poor Dalits of whatever land holding they have. 

The SP, however, termed it as a landmark move as it would save Dalits from ‘distress selling’ of their land.

The government was likely to introduce the amendments as a Bill in the Winter session of the state Assembly, but since it is unlikely to meet soon, the state government issued an ordinance in this regard.