Bhubaneswar: All district Collectors in Odisha have been directed to conduct a comprehensive and time-bound review of government land allotted through advance possession, permissive possession, lease or alienation that has remained unutilised for a long period or is being used for purposes other than those sanctioned.
In a letter to the district Collectors, Additional Chief Secretary of Revenue and Disaster Management Department, Arabinda Kumar Padhee stressed that government land is a valuable public resource and must be protected from misuse, unauthorised occupation or retention. He asked officials to act fearlessly, impartially and strictly as per law, without yielding to any pressure or influence, especially in cases involving vested interests or influential organisations and individuals.
Collectors have been asked to undertake a comprehensive and time-bound review of government land provided in their respective districts through advance possession, permissive possession, lease and alienation.
In cases involving vested interests, influential organisations or individuals, revenue field officials must discharge their statutory responsibilities fearlessly, impartially and strictly in accordance with law, without succumbing to any fear, favour, pressure or influence, the department said.
The letter further states that if any involvement or collusion of government officers or employees with vested interests, corrupt individuals or any such unethical entities is established, stringent disciplinary as well as criminal action shall be initiated against them under the applicable provisions of law.
Review of Land under Advance Possession
In cases of advance possession, necessary action is to be taken under Rule 11-A of the Odisha Government Land Settlement Rules, 1983 (OGLS Rules). Pending cases are to be subjected to prompt field verification.
Where the land is found to be unutilised or is being used for purposes other than the sanctioned purpose, necessary steps are to be taken, in accordance with law, for revesting the land with the Government.
Review of Land under Permissive Possession
Similarly, the present utilisation status of land held under permissive possession shall be verified. Where such land is lying vacant or the conditions governing permissive possession are not being complied with, necessary action shall be taken under Rule 9-A(2) of the Odisha Government Land Settlement Rules, 1983.
Case-wise Review of Leased Government Land
Government land leased out in favour of various institutions, organisations and individuals shall also be subjected to a case-wise review. Where land has remained unutilised for more than three years from the date of settlement, or is being used for purposes other than the sanctioned purpose, such cases shall be identified and the process of resumption shall be initiated and completed expeditiously in accordance with law.
In cases where the provisions relating to resumption are applicable under Section 3-B of the Odisha Government Land Settlement Act, 1962, expeditious action shall be taken by following the due legal procedure and principles of natural justice.
Upon completion of the resumption process, the land shall be restored to Government possession and necessary corrections shall be carried out in the revenue records, wherever required.
Review of Land Transferred to Government Departments
Land transferred to various government departments for projects and specific purposes shall also be subjected to field-level verification. Where any land, or any portion thereof, has remained unutilised for more than three years and is no longer required for the purpose for which it was transferred, a proposal shall be submitted to the concerned Department holding the land for relinquishment of such land and its restoration in favour of the Revenue Department.
In cases where the land has been only partially utilised, the necessity of retaining the unutilised portion shall also be specifically examined and duly recorded.
Action Against Encroachments
Where encroachment is detected on government land that has been leased out or alienated, the district administration has been directed to take prompt and stringent action for eviction of the encroachers in accordance with the applicable rules and prescribed procedure.
Comprehensive District-wise Record
A comprehensive record of all such cases shall be maintained in every district. The record shall include details of cases reviewed, cases identified for action, processes initiated, processes completed and land restored to the Government account.
For regular monitoring of the entire process, Collectors have been directed to submit monthly progress reports online to the Department by the 5th of every month in four separate formats relating to : Advance Possession, Permissive Possession, Resumption, Relinquishment.
The entire review and action process has been directed to be treated as a priority assignment. Collectors have been made personally responsible for ensuring that there is no unnecessary delay or negligence and that appropriate action is taken in all eligible cases. They have also been directed to ensure proper assignment of responsibilities at the district level.
