Probe benami deals, CM tells revenue officials

Tribune News Service

Shimla, February 6

Taking serious note of benami land transactions in the state, Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh today directed the revenue authorities to investigate all such deals and ensure that the land be vested in the government as per the provisions of the HP Tenancy and Land reforms Act. The Act bars non-agriculturists from purchasing land in the state.

“The violation of Section 118 of the Tenancy and Land Reforms Act should attract immediate action by the revenue authorities and action should be taken in cases of illegal land deals, particularly the benami land deals,” the Chief Minister said.

He said in some districts, only notices were served and no action was taken against the violators. Virbhadra directed officials to speed up investigations in all such cases.

The prosecution wing should ensure speedy trials and those representing the government in various courts should make sure that the loopholes facilitating acquittals should be plugged, he added.

Concerned over illegal mining in the border areas, the Chief Minister said the police and the district administration should deal with the mafia sternly.

He said action should be taken against drug peddlers. The CM said 70 per cent of Himachalis should be employed in industrial units and hydropower projects.