Bhubaneswar, Sept. 28 (UDN): The Odisha Revenue and Disaster Management Department has directed all district Collectors to conduct a time-bound review of government land that has remained unused for extended periods or is being used in violation of the purpose for which it was allotted.
Representational Image
The review will cover government land provided through advance possession, permissive possession, lease and alienation, with authorities instructed to identify cases requiring resumption, relinquishment or other action under the applicable laws.
Additional Chief Secretary of the Revenue and Disaster Management Department, Dr Arabinda Kumar Padhee, in a communication to all Collectors, said government land is a valuable public resource and must be protected from unauthorised occupation, misuse and unlawful retention.
Collectors Asked to Act Within Legal Framework
District administrations have been instructed to undertake field-level verification and take necessary action wherever land is found to be lying unused or being utilised for purposes other than those approved.
The department has also stressed that revenue officials must discharge their statutory responsibilities impartially and in accordance with the law, particularly in cases involving influential individuals, organisations or vested interests.
The government has further warned that if any involvement or collusion of government employees with vested interests or corrupt entities is established, disciplinary and criminal proceedings may be initiated under applicable laws.
Review of Land Given in Advance Possession
For land provided under advance possession, officials have been directed to take action under Rule 11-A of the Odisha Government Land Settlement Rules, 1983.
Pending cases will undergo field verification. If the allotted land is found unused or diverted from the sanctioned purpose, authorities will initiate the prescribed process for revesting it with the government.
Permissive Possession Cases Under Scanner
The utilisation status of land granted under permissive possession will also be examined.
Where such land is vacant or the conditions attached to permissive possession have not been followed, action will be taken under Rule 9-A(2) of the Odisha Government Land Settlement Rules, 1983, the department said.
Leased Land to Face Case-by-Case Review
Government land leased to institutions, organisations and individuals will be reviewed individually.
Cases where leased land has remained unused for more than three years from the date of settlement, or where it is being used for an unauthorised purpose, will be identified for possible resumption.
Where applicable, proceedings under Section 3-B of the Odisha Government Land Settlement Act, 1962 will be undertaken following due legal procedure and principles of natural justice.
Once the resumption process is completed, the land will be restored to government possession and revenue records will be updated wherever necessary.
Departments Asked to Relinquish Unused Land
Land transferred to government departments for specific projects will also undergo field verification.
If land or any portion of it has remained unused for more than three years and is no longer required for the original purpose, the concerned department will be asked to consider relinquishing it to the Revenue and Disaster Management Department.
Where only part of the transferred land has been utilised, officials will have to specifically assess whether the remaining portion is still required.
Action Against Encroachment
The department has also instructed district administrations to take prompt action against encroachments on government land that has been leased or alienated.
Eviction proceedings will have to be initiated in accordance with the applicable rules and prescribed legal procedures.
Monthly Reports to Track Progress
Collectors have been directed to maintain comprehensive district-wise records covering cases reviewed, cases requiring action, proceedings initiated, completed cases and land restored to government possession.
For regular monitoring, monthly progress reports must be submitted online to the Revenue and Disaster Management Department by the 5th of every month under four categories:
Advance Possession
Permissive Possession
Resumption
Relinquishment
The review has been designated as a priority assignment, with Collectors made responsible for ensuring timely action and preventing unnecessary delays. District administrations have also been asked to clearly assign responsibilities among concerned officials.
