Maharashtra has directed officials to expedite land proposals for the permanent rehabilitation of nomadic and denotified communities, with October 29 set as the deadline for identifying suitable sites where land is yet to be finalised.
The state government plans to allot land at a nominal price of Rs 1 to members of nomadic and denotified communities. However, the proposal is yet to be submitted to the state Cabinet for approval, Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule said during a meeting in Mumbai on October 14.
Bawankule issued the directions at the seventh meeting of the Cabinet Sub-Committee on Other Backward Classes (OBCs), held at Sahyadri Guest House. He expressed displeasure over delays in implementing the committee’s earlier instructions and submitting pending proposals.
Officials have been asked to identify land for permanent rehabilitation and the development of new settlements for people living in temporary settlements and makeshift encampments, locally known as pal. The minister also directed officials to ensure that eligible residents receive caste certificates and other essential documents.
The administration has been instructed to submit proposals by October 29 for areas where suitable land has not yet been identified.
Grazing facilities for shepherds
The meeting also reviewed the availability of grazing land for shepherds across Maharashtra. Under an existing government resolution, sheep grazing is permitted in 21 forest divisions from June to September.
In the remaining 27 forest divisions, where forest land is unavailable for grazing, officials have been directed to identify suitable alternatives based on local conditions.
Forest Minister Ganesh Naik highlighted fodder shortages during droughts and suggested drone surveys to assess availability. He also called for fodder supplies to be arranged through District Planning and Development Committee funds.
Mahajyoti funding under review
The committee also discussed funding for Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Research and Training Institute (Mahajyoti) and other backward-class development corporations.
Food and Civil Supplies Minister Chhagan Bhujbal raised concerns over the difference in allocations to Mahajyoti and Sarathi. He noted that Sarathi receives Rs 1,484 crore, compared with Rs 288 crore for Mahajyoti, and called for a uniform funding approach.
Bawankule said the entire budgetary allocation of Rs 600 crore had been disbursed and assured the committee that the allocation would not be reduced. He also said he would discuss the possibility of additional funding with the Chief Minister.
A proposal for a separate budget for the Vimukta Jatis and Nomadic Tribes (VJNT) category was also discussed.
The Rs 1 land allotment plan remains subject to Cabinet approval.
Source: Hindustan Times
Pic Credit: India Today
