Sec 118 approval online will bring transparency: CM

Tribune News Service

Shimla, September 23

Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur today said the making of permissions under Section 118 of the Tenancy and Land Reform Act, 1972 online will help bring about complete transparency and expedite all such cases.

Addressing a press conference here today, Thakur said his government respects Section 118 of the Tenancy and Land Reform Act and there will be no dilution in it. “The fact that all applications seeking exemption under Section 118 of the Tenancy and Land Reform Act can now be made online and monitored, will eliminate all scope for any delays and middle persons,” he remarked.

Thakur said anyone can now monitor movement of cases under Section 118 from the level of the patwari right up to the level of Secretary (Revenue). He said the intention of the government was that persons in all genuine cases must be allowed to purchase land in the state as per law without unnecessary delays.

Following scrapping of Article 370 and 35 (A) in Kashmir, there have been demands from some quarters for doing away with Section 118 in Himachal too as it confers special property acquisition rights on the people of the state. Section 118 of the Tenancy and Land Reform Act bars outsiders and even non agriculturist Himachalis from purchasing land in the hill state. Outsiders can purchase land in the state but with prior permission under Section 118.

Former deputy CM of Punjab Sukhbir Badal had demanded that Section 118 must be done away with so that anyone could purchase land in Himachal. In fact, there have been controversies surrounding Section 118 with there being allegations of favouritism and corruption on the contentious issue.

Though changes have been made in the rules of Section 118 to facilitate investment and provide an investor friendly atmosphere in the state successive Congress and BJP regimes have dithered on making major amendments even though a majority feel that it is the need of the hour.

What Sec 118 says

• Section 118 confers special property acquisition rights on the people of the state. The Section 118 of the Tenancy and Land Reform Act bars outsiders and even non agriculturist Himachalis from purchasing land in the hill state 
• Outsiders can purchase land in the state but with prior permission under Section 118