Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma made a groundbreaking announcement on October 26, declaring the waiver of the three-generation rule under the state government’s Mission Basundhara 3.0 initiative.
This decision is a significant step towards empowering indigenous communities in Assam, including Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Adivasis, Tea Tribes, and Gorkhas.
The three-generation rule, which required land rights to be established through documentation spanning three generations, has been a long-standing barrier for many families. By eliminating this requirement, the Assam government aims to enhance land ownership security, fostering economic stability and social equity.
Chief Minister Sarma emphasized that Mission Basundhara 3.0 is part of a broader strategy to strengthen the socio-economic fabric of the state, dedicated to creating a supportive environment for indigenous communities to thrive.
Mission Basundhara was initiated on October 2, 2021, with the vision of empowering indigenous communities. The government launched the second edition of the mission in November 2022, granting land rights to over two lakh individuals within a year.
The Chief Minister highlighted the overwhelming response to the mission, with the state government receiving an unprecedented number of applications from beneficiaries.
- Waiver of three-generation rule: For SC, ST, Tea Tribes, and Gorkhas, recognized as “sons of the soil”
- Reduced premium rate: 3% of zonal valuation for city dwellers, signifying significant financial relief
- Comprehensive mission: Aiming to allot land ownership to priority groups at the earliest and bring transparency to land-related services
With Mission Basundhara 3.0, the Assam government reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding the rights of Bhumiputras, or indigenous residents.
This initiative is poised to bring about a positive change in the lives of indigenous communities, ensuring their rightful access to resources and empowering them to thrive in a rapidly changing world.