Non-Himachalis allowed to purchase land in 674 cases

Tribune News Service

Shimla, September 15

The government has given relaxation in the purchase of land by non-Himachalis under Section 118 of the Tenancy and Land Reform Act in 674 cases in the last two years.

Urban Development Minister Suresh Bhardwaj stated this while replying to a question asked by Ramesh Dhawala during the Question Hour in the Vidhan Sabha today. “There are 87 cases pending with the government while in 122 cases, papers have been sent back to the Deputy Commissioners concerned for the completion of some formalities,” he said.

Bhardwaj said that between January 1, 2018, and August 31, 2019, the permission was granted for the residential purpose in 388 cases and for various other purposes in 417 cases. He added that the previous Congress government in its five-year rule had granted permission under Section 118 in 1,387 cases.

The minister said that Rule 38(A) was simplified on June 25, 2019, to facilitate industrial investment.

Replying to Vikramaditya Singh’s question on the status of the Sabzi Mandi project at Totu, Rural Development Minister Virender Kanwar said that the title of the site was not clear. “It is because of this reason that the project is pending. As soon as the High Court gives clear-cut directions, the project will be expedited,” he added. He said 13 bighas had been identified for the Sabzi Mandi and it would cost around Rs 3.75 crore.