Guwahati, 15 June (HS): The Assam government has taken a big step towards modernizing the old land system of the state and has constituted the Land Governance Commission. This high-level commission will function under the chairmanship of retired Justice Prashant Kumar Deka.

According to the notification issued by the government, the commission has been entrusted with the task of conducting a comprehensive review of the state's other land laws including the Assam Land and Revenue Regulation Act of 1886. Under this, individual, community, rural and forest land rights as well as urban land administration, land acquisition process and dispute resolution system will also be examined.

The commission has also been given the responsibility of drafting the proposed Assam Land Governance Bill, which is likely to implement the Conclusive Land Titling System for the first time in the state.

Keeping modernization at the center, the commission will also focus on aspects such as cadastral mapping, digitization of land records, updating of land valuation and revenue structure and strengthening the institutional system. Its objective is to establish a transparent, equitable and efficient land management system.

The government has urged citizens, legal experts and current and retired officials of the Revenue Department to send suggestions to revenuedm@gmail.com, so that public participation in policy making can be ensured.

However, this initiative has created a wave of concern among the tribals and indigenous people. Particularly, apprehensions are being raised about the possible amendment in Chapter 10 of the 1886 Act, which provides legal protection to land rights in protected tribal areas. Tribal communities believe that if there is any change in it, their traditional rights may be weakened.

The commission will consult various stakeholders including environmental groups, legal experts, tribal leaders in the coming weeks. After this it will submit its recommendations. It is believed that the proposed bill will play an important role in making Assam's land governance system futuristic and inclusive.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash