Guwahati, Feb 27 (NationPress) Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma officially commenced the distribution of land pattas to more than one lakh indigenous landless families and public entities under Mission Basundhara 3.0. This initiative underscores the state government's dedication to addressing longstanding land disputes through a well-organized and transparent approach.

The Chief Minister launched the state-level distribution event at Deuri Beel in Dhemaji district, during which digital land pattas and allotment documents were provided to the recipients.

Furthermore, Sarma initiated the land settlement process in previously unsurveyed villages where surveys have been finalized as part of the SVAMITVA scheme.

Under the Forest Rights Act, 2006, forest land rights were also conferred to 538 residents of the Subansiri and Jiadhal Reserved Forests.

On that day, a total of 1,06,905 beneficiaries throughout Assam received land pattas, with 44,700 individuals from Dhemaji district alone.

Dhemaji was selected to host the central event due to the significant number of landless families waiting for settlement in the region.

The Chief Minister highlighted that land records in Assam have historically been chaotic, which has prevented many families from obtaining legal ownership and accessing institutional credit.

Since the mission's inception five years ago, approximately 10 lakh families have had their land-related issues resolved.

During Mission Basundhara 1.0, various challenges, including the conversion of annual pattas to periodic pattas and the correction of land records, benefitted around 5.82 lakh families.

Mission Basundhara 2.0 focused on granting land rights to indigenous populations who have resided on government land for generations, aiding 2.29 lakh families, primarily from Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, and OBC communities.

The Chief Minister noted that land pattas have also been distributed to religious, educational, and cultural organizations across the state.

Out of 903 unsurveyed villages in Assam, surveys have been completed in 769 villages, leading to over 30,000 families receiving land pattas.

Looking ahead, Sarma announced that all remaining land-related concerns will be tackled through Mission Basundhara 4.0 and 5.0, which will include land reclassification and the settlement of eligible non-tribal residents in forest villages.

He added that around 80 percent of land issues have already been addressed.

Earlier that day, the Chief Minister inaugurated the Integrated District Commissioner’s Office Complex in Dhemaji, which was constructed at a cost of Rs 49 crore and is expected to improve administrative efficiency and enhance citizen-centric governance in the district.