Bhagwant Mann: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced on Friday that he would launch a special drive against encroachment on government land from June 1.
The CM has asked those occupying government lands illegally to themselves vacate by May 31.
Meanwhile, Punjab Rural Development and Panchayat Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal on Thursday directed all District Development and Panchayat Officers (DDPO) of the state to free all government panchayat lands from illegal occupation across the state by June 10.
Panchayat land encroachment
Giving details, he said that during the first phase last year, around 9,400 acres of government panchayat lands were freed from illegal possession. He further said, that barring cases pending in courts, illegal possession of all government panchyat lands should be freed by June 10. Pertinently, in the second phase, 469 acres of other government panchayat lands have been freed from illegal encroaches.
Dhaliwal who was presiding over a meeting of all DDPOs of the state at the local Punjab Bhavan, said that the Chief Minister has directed all departments to ensure transparent and corruption-free administration to the people. In view of the chief minister’s directive, no recommendation of any influenced person or political leader should be accepted during the bidding of any land, said Dhaliwal. He added that bidding of each land should be conducted in a transparent manner and without any recommendation.
Bidding for land
He said that a minimum amount of Rs 15,000 will be fixed for the bidding of Shamlat lands and the money would be collected in cash from the successful bidder. He took serious note of the fact that many land holdings in the state are being given out on small leases, due to which the government exchequer is suffering huge losses.
The minister further said that afforestation drive would be launched from July 1 to utilise the lands, which could not be given on lease on all such lands. Government aims to provide employment to the people working under MNREGA, Dhaliwal said.
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