Odisha Government to Amend Land Allotment Rules to Enhance Transparency

The Odisha government has announced its decision to amend the Odisha Government Land Settlement Rules, 2020, in an effort to improve transparency in the land allocation process. This initiative, disclosed by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi during discussions on the general administration department, aims to address concerns related to land distribution and encroachments, particularly in rapidly developing regions like Bhubaneswar.

The revision of the land allotment rules is driven by multiple factors, including rising land prices, increasing instances of encroachment, and growing demand for urban expansion. Bhubaneswar, as the state's capital, has witnessed significant economic and infrastructural growth, leading to increased competition for land. This, in turn, has resulted in unauthorized land occupations, prompting the government to take decisive measures to ensure fair and lawful distribution.

Chief Minister Majhi emphasized that the government is committed to preventing irregularities in land allotments. The amendments are expected to introduce a more structured and transparent framework, reducing opportunities for misuse of government land.

The proposed modifications to the Odisha Government Land Settlement Rules, 2020, will focus on several aspects. A more robust system for land allocation will be implemented to ensure proper verification and documentation. Digital tracking of land records will be enhanced to prevent fraudulent transactions and unauthorized encroachments.

The government plans to make land allocation data publicly accessible through an online portal, promoting greater transparency. Citizens will be able to track the status of land allotments and report discrepancies if they arise.

The government has intensified efforts to identify encroached land and initiate eviction processes. The Central Enforcement Monitoring Committee has been tasked with accelerating eviction drives, ensuring that government properties remain protected.

To prevent further encroachments, the government has allocated Rs 10.88 crore for constructing boundary walls around key government-owned properties.

The new rules will introduce stricter eligibility criteria for land allotments to ensure that beneficiaries meet specific qualifications. Priority may be given to essential public infrastructure projects, affordable housing, and industrial developments that contribute to economic growth.

While the amendments aim to improve transparency and efficiency, implementing these changes will require significant coordination across various government departments. Some potential challenges include resistance from encroachers, as eviction efforts may face opposition from individuals and groups currently occupying government land without authorization. Ensuring seamless integration of digital land records into the public domain will require investment in IT infrastructure and training for government officials. Land disputes are often subject to prolonged legal battles, which could slow down the implementation of eviction orders and allotment revisions.

The Odisha government's decision to revise land allotment rules reflects its commitment to promoting transparency and efficiency in governance. By addressing existing loopholes, introducing digital tracking, and taking stringent action against encroachments, the state aims to create a more equitable system for land allocation.