Himachal Pradesh: Opposition warns government on tenancy Act issue

SHIMLA: While in opposition the BJP was cornering previous Congress regime on the issue of diluting provisions of Section 118 of the Himachal Pradesh Tenancy and Land Reforms Act 1972 and now the Congress is accusing CM Jai Ram Thakur-led government of fiddling with the provisions. It has also sought clarification from the BJP government for its decision to withdraw the rule framed in 2011.
Section 118 of the HP Tenancy and Land Reforms Act, 1972 provides for restriction on transfer of land in favour of a person who is not an agriculturist of the state.This section and rules thereunder have been amended from time to time to further the basic intention behind its enactment of protecting the interests of local inhabitants while ensuring that the development of the State is not hampered.
A number of instructions and clarifications have been issued to assist in decisions by the field staff on the various queries which arise in relation to interpretation of various definitions and provisions.
While interacting with media persons, leader of opposition Mukesh Agnihotri said that Section 118 is a very sensitive issue for the people of Himachal Pradesh. He said that Chief Minister Thakur should tell the people of state whether issue related to changes in the section was put before cabinet for discussion.
He said the CM should also tell whether the state cabinet took the decision to withdraw the rules notified in 2011 under which the provision was introduced to take no-objection certificates from 6-7 departments.