Residents of 119 refugee colonies to get free hold title deeds soon

Kolkata: The work to give "free hold title deeds" to the residents of 119 refugee colonies in the state is going on in full swing, to ensure that the same can be handed over to them at the earliest.

Sources said that the task of handing over title deeds to all the residents of these colonies is expected to be complete by September and it will be a gift for them ahead of Durga Puja.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had made the announcement that free hold title deeds will be given to residents of another 119 refugee colonies, while addressing a benefits distribution programme at Kaliaganj in North Dinajpur on Tuesday. She had also said that residents of 94 refugee colonies have already received the same.

With the announcement from the Chief Minister, the officials of the state Land and Land Reforms and Refugee Relief and Rehabilitation department are now working on war footing to complete the task.

"All residents of the 119 refugee colonies are expected to get the deeds before Durga Puja," said an official, adding that it has been pending for a long time and now with the initiative taken by the Chief Minister, the residents will breathe a sigh of relief. "The state government already has the details of the 119 refugee colonies. Now, the work to ascertain the holding area of each of the residents is going on. Based on the same, the title deeds will be prepared," the official said, adding that the plot of the refugee colonies could be a private land or one belonging to the Centre.

Necessary work, which needs to be carried out if it belongs to a private owner or the Central government, will be taken up simultaneously. The state Law department has also taken up the necessary tasks to ensure fast completion of the legal aspects involved in giving free hold title deeds to the residents of refugee colonies.

The official further added that usually a free hold title deed owner cannot sell out the plot for the first 10 years, until and unless the person faces any major crisis.

However, with the title deed in their possession, they will get all necessary clearances to carry out any development work on the plot, including building their own houses.