Why the amendment bill related to Section 118 could not be passed in Himachal Pradesh Assembly? Know the reason

The winter session of the Assembly ended in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh. On the last day on Friday, like the previous two days, the amendment bill in Section 118 of the Tenancy and Land Reform Act was discussed. Actually, Sukhwinder Sarkar had introduced this bill in the Assembly but this bill was not approved. Now it will be sent to the select committee. Actually, the opposition raised objection on this bill, due to which it could not be passed.

During the discussion on this bill on Friday, BJP MLA Randhir Sharma told in the House that if the amendment is made then outsiders will get the right to take the land on lease for 20 years and then the property will also become expensive. Actually, the BJP MLA said that people from outside will come to Himachal and buy land and an army of property dealers will stand in Himachal and due to this, the land in Himachal will start selling at a fast pace.

The state will suffer loss in the matter of revenue generation: Randhir Sharma

In fact, in the discussion held on Friday, Randhir Sharma said that work is being done to remove the word “commitment” to purchase agricultural land. This will open the way for outsiders to buy land in Himachal and will also encourage cutting of trees in the state in order to generate revenue. Due to this, the water resources of Himachal will also be destroyed and the simple and rich culture of Devbhoomi will be destroyed. Therefore it should not be made a question of prestige. However, all these questions were answered in the House by Chief Minister Sukhwinder Sukhu. While discussing the amendment bill of Section 118, the CM made clear the government’s intention regarding the amendment in the House. He said that this amendment bill will be sent to the select committee.

What was the objective of the government?

On this request of the CM, the proceedings of the House were adjourned indefinitely by the Speaker. Actually, the aim of the government was that if the work of any project being built on the land purchased under Section 118 is 70 percent completed in 5 years, then the government will give one more time with extension penalty. A provision was being made in the bill that cooperative societies having 60 percent farmer members will no longer require approval under Section 118. Now buildings in rural areas can be taken on lease for short term and this can be done for up to 10 years. Not only this, there will also be an exemption to buy flats built by private builders. In all these, approval will not be required under Section 118. However, this did not happen and this bill could not be passed.