In a significant move aimed at social justice, the Bihar government has declared that ensuring actual physical possession of land allotted to Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) beneficiaries is its topmost priority. Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha, who also holds the revenue and land reforms portfolio, made the announcement on Tuesday, underscoring the state's constitutional obligation.
Zero-Tolerance Against Encroachment
Deputy CM Sinha reiterated the state's firm zero-tolerance policy towards any illegal encroachment on lands meant for SC/ST families and other weaker sections. He stated that such encroachment would not be tolerated under any circumstances. Sinha emphasized that securing possession is not just an administrative task but a fundamental commitment to social justice and the welfare of the poor and deprived land title-holders.
The minister assured that no eligible family would be deprived of its rightful land under the current "double-engine" government, referring to the same party ruling at both the state and central levels. He affirmed the government's unwavering support for these families.
Launch of 'Operation Bhumi Dakhal Dehani'
To translate this commitment into action, the Revenue and Land Reforms Department has initiated a special statewide campaign named 'Operation Bhumi Dakhal Dehani'. The campaign's objective is to achieve 100% possession of allotted land for all eligible SC/ST title holders. Department Secretary Jai Singh provided crucial details about the operation's scope.
Singh clarified that the eviction of SC/ST families from various categories of land—including government land, surplus land, Bhoodan land, or legally purchased land allotted to them in rural areas—would now be treated as a serious and punishable offence. The operation is designed to promptly restore possession to the rightful beneficiaries and provide a robust safeguard for their land rights.
Constitutional and Legal Backing
The department has made it clear that constitutional and legal provisions will be enforced with full force to protect the interests of the SC/ST community. This enforcement is grounded in two key legal frameworks:
- Article 46 of the Indian Constitution, which mandates the state to promote the educational and economic interests of SCs and STs and protect them from social injustice.
- Section 3(f) of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Act, 2015, which explicitly categorizes illegal encroachment on land allotted to SC/ST families as a punishable offence.
Deputy CM Sinha announced that all eviction-related cases involving SC/ST land would be taken up on a priority basis. District officials have been directed to ensure strict compliance with these orders, with the warning that any negligence will invite disciplinary action. The government has pledged to take stringent legal measures against offenders while assuring lawful possession and protection for rightful landholders.
