Assam's Mission Basundhara 3.0: A Leap Towards Land Rights

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma unveiled Mission Basundhara 3.0, boosting land rights for indigenous people. The initiative is set to simplify land-related services, safeguard identity and enhance transparency. The government plans significant land reforms and the introduction of Land Passbooks to foster 'Jati, Mati, Bheti' (identity, land, base).

Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has launched Mission Basundhara 3.0, a significant initiative aimed at granting land rights to indigenous populations. Announced at a ceremony in Guwahati, Sarma highlighted the program's origins, tracing back to the government's vision established in October 2021, soon after assuming office.

The Chief Minister emphasized the overwhelming public response to the mission, noting the receipt of numerous applications that reinforced the state's efforts in land-related initiatives. He revealed that Mission Basundhara's initial phase managed to process eight lakh applications in less than a year.

Bolstered by this success, the government launched a second edition in November 2022, granting land rights to over two lakh individuals. Mission Basundhara 3.0 aims to extend these benefits with a focus on transparency and efficiency. Notably, while land rights require three-generation ancestry proof, exemptions include SC, ST, Tea Tribes, and Gorkhas.

Chief Minister Sarma disclosed plans to introduce extensive land reforms and distribute Land Passbooks, reducing the premium rate for city dwellers to 3%. The initiative promises digital transformation of land services, including the conversion of annual pattas and settlement of Gramland territories.

Addressing communication advancements, Sarma launched the Project Closed User Group (CUG) for ASDMA, improving emergency coordination. Additionally, the Revenue Department introduced Digidoc, a digital document directory, enhancing public service efficiency. Financial grants were also provided for the state's Mouzadar offices' digital enhancements during the event.

(With inputs from agencies.)