Himachal CM Announces SIT Probe into Benami Land Deals Near Gaggal Airport and Gagret
In a significant move, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu declared on Tuesday that the state government will form a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate alleged benami (proxy) land transactions in areas surrounding Gaggal airport in Kangra district and Gagret in Una district. The announcement was made during the second day of the legislative assembly's budget session, with Sukhu emphasizing that strict action will be taken against any groups involved in such illegal activities.
MLA Raises Concerns Over Land Deals and Political Interference
The decision came in response to a question raised by Congress MLA from Gagret, Rakesh Kalia, during the question hour. Kalia alleged that a retired officer from Uttarakhand is implicated in benami land deals, claiming that large-scale transactions initially occurred in Gagret before shifting to the Gaggal airport area. He further asserted that outsiders are purchasing land near Gaggal airport, with money being transferred into bank accounts of individuals from Uttarakhand.
Kalia also linked the retired officer to attempts to topple the Congress government in 2024, noting that a First Information Report (FIR) has already been filed against him. According to the MLA, while the officer previously operated from Gagret, he has since relocated to Delhi. In response, CM Sukhu clarified that under Section 118 of the Himachal Pradesh Tenancy and Land Reforms Act, outsiders cannot purchase land in the state without mandatory permission.
Compensation Disbursed for Airport Expansion
Addressing another query from Kalia, Sukhu informed the assembly that a total of Rs 1,460 crore has been disbursed to 4,649 affected individuals under the proposed land acquisition for the expansion of Kangra airport. This compensation is in accordance with Section 26 of the Himachal Pradesh Right to Fair Compensation, Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation, and Resettlement Act, 2013.
Other Key Discussions in the Legislative Assembly
Unresponsive Bureaucrats: Assembly Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania took serious note of claims that bureaucrats are ignoring phone calls from elected representatives. Responding to concerns raised by Kalia, Pathania asked him to submit the names of such officers in writing for action. Kalia suggested that telephone allowances of bureaucrats should be withdrawn if they fail to respond to MLAs. The speaker termed it a "serious aspersion" and assured action upon receiving a formal complaint, with other legislators supporting the claims.
Vacant Government Buildings: CM Sukhu revealed that nearly 600 government buildings across the state are lying vacant. He stated that detailed information is being collected from various departments and will soon be presented in the assembly. Una MLA Satpal Singh Satti urged the government to compile data and utilize these vacant properties effectively, rather than operating offices from rented premises, especially given the state's financial constraints.
MLA Funds Release: Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur pressed the government to release two pending instalments of the MLA local area development fund and legislators' discretionary grants. Sukhu assured that the state government is reviewing the matter and will meet opposition leaders soon to determine how much can be released before the fiscal year ends, considering constraints following the discontinuation of revenue deficit grant by the 16th Finance Commission. Thakur noted that budgetary provision was made last year, but funds have not been released.
Vacancies for Persons with Disabilities: Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Col Dhani Ram Shandil (retd) informed that 1,459 posts reserved for persons with disabilities (PwDs) are vacant across government departments. Between August 2023 and July 2025, only 101 such posts were filled. He mentioned efforts are underway to fill the remaining vacancies. Satti and Nachan MLA Vinod Kumar highlighted that disabled persons have repeatedly staged protests outside the state secretariat in Shimla, facing harassment. With the government citing a lack of eligible candidates, Kumar urged for relaxation of recruitment criteria.
Utility Duct Project Safety: CM Sukhu assured that the underground utility duct being laid from Chotta Shimla to Willy Park Chaura Maidan poses no risk of ground subsidence. After a detailed study of projects in Jaipur and Jammu and Kashmir, safety measures and phased drainage work are in place. The duct will carry electrical cables, water pipes, CCTV, and telephone lines. The project, costing Rs 146.34 crore, received Rs 25 crore under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme. The route spans Chotta Shimla to Willy Park Chaura Maidan via Mall Road, Oak Over to Lok Bhawan, Sher-e-Punjab via Lower Bazaar to CTO Chowk, ensuring efficient management of essential utilities.
