Guwahati, 9th September: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Sunday that the state government is drafting a groundbreaking law to regulate land transactions within select revenue circles. Under the proposed law, only individuals whose families have been residents of the state since at least 1951 will be allowed to engage in land dealings. The legislation is part of the government’s larger effort to safeguard the land rights of indigenous communities.
Sarma, speaking at the launch of the e-Chitha Land Valuation Certification portal, emphasized the importance of protecting Assam’s ‘jati’ (community) and ensuring land rights for both the indigenous population and eligible landless dwellers. The new law, expected to be introduced in March, aims to limit land transactions to those whose names appear in the 1951 voter list or the National Register of Citizens (NRC).
“Revenue officers should understand the spirit of our government. If we cannot safeguard our community today, we may lose the opportunity forever,” Sarma stated, highlighting the urgency of the government’s mission.
He also revealed plans to introduce similar laws in undivided Goalpara district, restricting land transactions within Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, and Other Backward Class communities. The undivided district includes the current districts of Goalpara, Dhubri, Bongaigaon, Kokrajhar, and South Salmara-Mankachar.
Sarma further mentioned an amendment made in the recent assembly session, which restricts land sales within a 5-km radius of iconic cultural and religious structures to only those residing in the area since 1951. This law is already in effect in parts of Barpeta, Batadrava, and Majuli.
Additionally, the Chief Minister announced that a new law to protect core agricultural land is in the pipeline, and stricter regulations have been enacted regarding the sale of tea land for non-agricultural purposes without government approval.
The new land reforms come as part of the government’s Mission Basundhara initiative, aimed at resolving land disputes and strengthening land administration across the state.