Guwahati, 28 October (HS): Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday chaired two separate meetings at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat in Dibrugarh to address land-related grievances of indigenous and tribal communities in Upper and Northern Assam, reaffirming the state government’s commitment to safeguarding their land rights.

During his two-day visit to Dibrugarh and Tinsukia districts, Sarma held discussions with district officials, forest department representatives and tribal organisations in the first meeting. The second meeting focused on land-related concerns of the Moran and Matak communities, with representatives of various organisations from both communities participating in the deliberations.

The meetings reviewed difficulties faced by indigenous people in resolving land settlement disputes, objections and other revenue-related issues. Discussions also covered the proposed allotment of up to 50 bighas of land to eligible tribal families and the settlement of pending cases under Mission Basundhara 2.0 and 3.0 through Mission Basundhara 4.0.

Sarma emphasised that the government would continue its efforts to protect tribal land rights and provide permanent ownership to eligible families. He assured that land-related grievances of deserving tribal households would be addressed proactively.

At the meeting with Moran and Matak community representatives, the Chief Minister announced that the guidelines formulated for the two communities under Mission Basundhara 4.0 would be uploaded to the portal. He also said that selected youths from areas inhabited by the two communities would receive training to help people submit land-related applications online.

The government would take necessary steps to extend the time for payment of land premiums and resolve settlement-related issues within the stipulated timeframe, Sarma said, adding that efforts to address the land grievances of the Moran and Matak communities would continue.

Revenue Minister Keshab Mahanta, Labour Welfare Minister Rameswar Teli, Tribal Affairs (Plains) Minister Ranoj Pegu, Water Resources Minister Sushanta Borgohain, Lakhimpur, Dhemaji and Majuli district officials, representatives of autonomous councils and ethnic organisations, and senior government officials attended the meetings. MLA Bolin Chetia and former MLA Ponakan Baruah were also present at the second meeting.----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash