CM writes to LG for ownership rights to those allotted gram sabha land

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 Central government'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 LG 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.

The erstwhile Sheila Dikshit-led Congress government had in 2013 had organised a mega event at Yamuna Sport Complex, where party vice-president Rahul Gandhi had distributed the ownership certificates to a few families. The then Delhi government had assured to later organise a camp for residents to deposit relevant papers and the money to get ownership papers. It, however, could not happen owing to objections from the Raj Niwas.

Dikshit had then said that around 2.5 lakh plot holders would benefit from the scheme. There are about seven lakh families, or 30 lakh people, residing in these 45 resettlement colonies at present.