In a decisive effort to address longstanding land management challenges, the Bihar government has introduced the Bettiah Raj Property Bill, 2024, aiming to take control of over 15,000 acres of land formerly under the Bettiah Raj estate. This legislative move seeks to resolve issues of encroachment and optimize the utilization of these vast tracts for the state’s development.
Historical Context of Bettiah Raj
The Bettiah Raj estate, once among Bihar’s largest zamindari holdings, traces its origins to the 17th century under the rule of Raja Ujjain Singh and his son, Gaj Singh, who received the title of Raja from Emperor Shah Jahan. The estate expanded significantly, encompassing vast lands across present-day Bihar and parts of Uttar Pradesh. Following the death of the last raja, Harendra Kishore Singh, in 1893 without an heir, the estate was managed by the Court of Wards and eventually came under government control after the death of Maharani Janki Kuar in 1954.
Extent of the Land and Encroachment Issues
The Bettiah Raj estate comprises approximately 15,215 acres spread across six districts in Bihar, including East and West Champaran. Government assessments indicate that nearly 50% of this land has been encroached upon over the years, leading to significant challenges in land management and revenue collection. The encroachments have hindered effective utilization of the land, prompting the need for decisive government intervention.
Provisions of the Bettiah Raj Property Bill, 2024
Introduced in the Bihar Legislative Assembly, the Bettiah Raj Property Bill, 2024, empowers the state government to assume possession of all lands under the erstwhile Bettiah Raj estate. The primary objectives of the bill include:
- Reclamation of Encroached Lands: Initiating measures to identify and clear unauthorized occupations to restore government control.
- Streamlined Management: Centralizing the administration of these lands under the Revenue and Land Reforms Department to ensure efficient oversight.
- Revenue Optimization: Enhancing revenue generation through proper land utilization and leasing arrangements.
- Public Welfare Projects: Allocating reclaimed lands for infrastructure development, public amenities, and other welfare initiatives.
Government’s Rationale and Strategy
The Bihar government has articulated a clear rationale for this legislative action:
- Addressing Encroachment: With a significant portion of the land under illegal occupation, the government aims to reclaim these areas to assert rightful ownership and control.
- Enhancing Revenue: Proper management is expected to increase annual revenues, which currently stand at approximately Rs 2.5 crore from bandobasti (administrative and revenue collection) activities.
- Facilitating Development: Reclaimed lands are envisioned to support various development projects, contributing to the state’s socio-economic growth.
Challenges and Considerations
While the bill represents a proactive approach, several challenges must be addressed:
- Legal Hurdles: Potential legal disputes from current occupants could delay reclamation efforts.
- Resettlement Issues: Ensuring fair compensation and rehabilitation for displaced individuals is crucial to maintain social harmony.
- Administrative Coordination: Effective collaboration among various government departments is essential for the successful implementation of the bill’s provisions.
Public and Political Reactions
The introduction of the bill has elicited varied responses:
- Support for Development: Many view the move as a necessary step towards reclaiming public assets and promoting development.
- Concerns Over Displacement: Advocacy groups have raised concerns about the potential displacement of families residing on these lands for generations, urging the government to adopt humane resettlement policies.
- Political Debates: Opposition parties have called for thorough scrutiny of the bill to ensure transparency and fairness in its implementation.
Conclusion
The Bihar government’s initiative to reclaim and manage the extensive lands of the Bettiah Raj estate marks a significant step towards resolving historical land issues and promoting state development. The success of this endeavor will depend on the government’s ability to navigate legal, social, and administrative challenges, ensuring that the reclaimed lands are utilized effectively for the greater public good.
