Assam Launches Mission Basundhara 3.0 for Land Rights

October 21, 2024

Assam’s Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, launched Mission Basundhara 3.0 in Guwahati. This initiative aims to provide land rights to indigenous communities in Assam. It follows previous phases of the mission, initiated to address land rights after 75 years of India’s independence.

Background of Mission Basundhara

Mission Basundhara began on October 2, 2021. The mission’s goal is to empower indigenous communities by granting them land ownership. The initiative emerged in response to demand from local populations for land rights.

Achievements of Previous Phases

Under Mission Basundhara 1.0, the Assam government processed eight lakh applications in just nine months. This overwhelming response confirmed the need for such initiatives. Following this success, Mission Basundhara 2.0 was launched in November 2022, resulting in over two lakh indigenous people receiving land rights within a year.

Objectives of Mission Basundhara 3.0

Mission Basundhara 3.0 aims to further secure land rights for indigenous people. The Chief Minister stated that the mission will enhance transparency in land-related services. It will also expedite land ownership allotment to priority groups.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for land rights under Mission Basundhara, applicants must prove three generations of ancestry. However, this requirement is waived for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Tea Tribes, and Gorkhas, recognizing them as the original inhabitants.

The government has reduced the premium rate for city dwellers to 3% of the zonal valuation. This adjustment aims to make land ownership more accessible to urban residents.

Upcoming Land Reforms

The Chief Minister announced forthcoming land reforms, including the issuance of Land Passbooks to all landholders. This move is part of the government’s commitment to strengthen the connection between identity, land, and community, encapsulated in the phrase ‘Jati, Mati and Bheti’.

Services Offered Under MB 3.0

Mission Basundhara 3.0 will provide several key services:

Review of pending cases from MB 2.0.
Digitisation of land records and conversion of annual pattas to periodic pattas.
One-time conversion of tea grant land to periodic pattas.
Settlement of Bhoodan/Gramland issues. Publication of maps to aid the public in understanding land rights.

The initiative includes digitising land-related services to streamline processes. This will enhance public access to information and improve service efficiency.

Project Closed User Group (CUG)

During the launch event, CM Sarma introduced the Project Closed User Group (CUG). This project provides special mobile numbers for officials in the Revenue and Disaster Management Department. It aims to improve communication and coordination during emergencies.

Launch of Digidoc

The Chief Minister also unveiled Digidoc, a digital directory for non-registrable and optional registrable documents. This tool will reduce processing times and improve public convenience in accessing services.

CM Sarma distributed financial grants of Rs 1 lakh to Mouzadars for digital upgrades of their offices. This initiative is part of a broader effort to modernise land administration in Assam.

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