‘No need for amendment, as it is already flexible

Kaul Singh Thakur
Former Revenue Minister and senior Congress leader

Do you feel there is a need for amendment in Section 118 of the Tenancy and Land Reforms Act?

I feel there is no need at all for amendment in the Act, as it is already very flexible and takes care of the requirement of industry and prospective investors. The BJP regime in unnecessarily raking up the issue, when there is no need for it. Despite clear opposition to the move of the state government, if the present regime still goes ahead with it, it will be very clear that it is being done for their vested interest and for helping outsiders to procure land in Himachal, which Section 118 otherwise prohibits.

The argument, however, being given by the government is that there is a need for amendment in rules, so that investors do not face problem and avoid Himachal as a preferred destination. Your comments?

This is absolutely wrong. During our regime, we had made it mandatory that all clearances and non-objection certificates (NOCs) must be given within a timeframe of 45 days and it was being adhered to. In fact, we made a provision, where the permissions would be deemed to have been given in case the sanctions do not come within 45 days. So, where is the need for the amendments in the Act or the rules? The Cabinet gave nod to the provision of mandatory clearances in 45 days by various agencies, including Revenue, Forest, Industry, Electricity, Public Works, Irrigation and Public Health, Pollution Control Board and Tourism. Now, it is more than evident that despite this inbuilt mechanism, the BJP regime is making a hue and cry about Section 118 being inhibiting. It shows their real intention of wanting to throw the state open for being plundered by outsiders.

In case the BJP government decides to go ahead with amendments in the Act or the rules, what will be the stance of the Congress?

In that eventuality, the Congress will oppose it tooth and nail, as there can be no second thought about it. The Congress will not tolerate even the slightest tinkering with Section 118. It was the great vision of the first CM of Himachal Dr Yashwant Singh Parmar that resulted in the enactment of this law. It is owing to this law, that the precious and scarce land of the people of the state has been protected as capitalists and outsiders would have bought this land. We owe it to Dr Parmar from saving the state from outsiders and having the farmers landless.

What is your opinion on the initiative of the state government to simplify the lease rules?

In my opinion, there is no need for it, as mandatory directions in this regard have already been issued during our regime and also previous BJP regimes. The Congress supports any move which will help make Himachal an ideal destination for investors, but the precious land of the state cannot be thrown up for grabs. Congress is vehemently opposed to this.