Guwahati; The Assam Assembly passed the Assam Land and Revenue Regulation (Second Amendment) Bill, 2024, on Thursday, introducing provisions for the creation of "heritage belts and blocks." This legislation reserves the sale and purchase of land within a five-kilometer radius of 250-year-old "iconic structures" exclusively for "original inhabitants" who have resided in the area for at least three generations.
The bill, which was introduced on Tuesday, amends the Assam Land and Revenue Regulation, 1886. Despite opposition from certain political parties, it was approved by the Assembly.
According to the bill's statement of objects, the newly inserted chapter 12 of the Assam Land and Revenue Regulation, 1886, will help safeguard the land rights of indigenous people, preserve the prestige and dignity of heritage institutions, and protect them from encroachment. Additionally, the bill aims to maintain the socio-cultural and religious identity associated with these institutions.
Initially, the amended act will apply to Batadrava and Barpeta Xatra, ancient Vaishnavite monasteries founded by 15th-century Vaishnavite cultural icons Srimanta Sankardev and Madhabdev, as well as the island district of Majuli, the heart of Vaishnavite culture in Assam. Over time, other significant religious and cultural sites that are at least 250 years old, including temples, monasteries, mosques, churches, and gurudwaras, will also be included under this legislation.
During the Assembly discussion, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma emphasized that the act is secular in nature and is not intended to target any specific religion. He also clarified that those who have already purchased land and are residing within these heritage belts and blocks will not face eviction. Moreover, families, including Muslim families, who have lived in these areas for three generations (75 years), will retain the right to buy and sell land.
Sarma's clarification came in response to concerns raised by opposition MLAs, who argued that the bill could be used to restrict land purchases by Muslims near heritage institutions. Addressing these concerns, Sarma stated that "legal provisions are subject to religious rights and certain conventional practices."
He also announced plans to introduce a separate bill aimed at regulating land transactions in areas with 100% Scheduled Tribe (ST) populations within such scheduled communities.
Post a Comment