Bihar to Implement Legislation for Development of Bettiah Raj Land

Patna, Dec 1 (NationPress) The government of Bihar is gearing up to introduce a law to reclaim land from the historically significant Bettiah Raj estate, which has been suffering from encroachment.

The Bihar Legislative Assembly has successfully passed the 'Bettiah Raj Property Bill, 2024' during the ongoing Winter Session.

This legislation now requires the approval of the Governor to be enacted into law.

Once the governor endorses the Bill, the state will take over control of the properties.

The proposed legislation aims to bring 15,221 acres of the former Bettiah Raj estate under public ownership, indicating a commitment to utilize the land for developmental initiatives while addressing the current encroachments.

Land and Revenue Minister Dilip Jaiswal stated that the state is dedicated to employing this land for the benefit of the public.

"The government has guaranteed that existing inhabitants of the land will not be forcibly removed, stressing a balanced method of land use," Minister Jaiswal commented.

"A key aspect of the Bill involves freeing areas of land that have been encroached upon," he added.

The acquisition of Bettiah Raj's properties is expected to influence land ownership dynamics, local governance, and development initiatives throughout Bihar.

While the government’s promise to protect residents' rights may reduce apprehensions, it remains to be seen how the state will harmonize the dual aims of development and the prevention of displacement.

The Governor's endorsement will be the concluding step in actualizing this pivotal legislation.

The historical and administrative intricacies associated with the properties of Bettiah Raj will pose considerable challenges for the Bihar government. These issues stem from the estate's illustrious past, its administration by the 'Court of Wards', and the significant encroachments on its territory.

The last ruler of Bettiah Raj, Harendra Kishore Singh, passed away in 1893 without a successor, resulting in the estate being managed by the 'Court of Wards' from 1897 onwards.

This arrangement continued as disputes over succession and management emerged over the years.

The estate comprises 15,221 acres in Bihar and 143 acres in Uttar Pradesh, both of which have experienced substantial encroachments.

Reports indicate that more than 66 percent of the land in West Champaran and 60 percent in East Champaran have been occupied.

Many individuals residing on the estate may seek legal recourse, contesting evictions or asserting ownership rights based on long-term residency or other claims.

Displacing illegal occupants is a politically sensitive and administratively intricate endeavor, particularly in regions where land has been occupied for extended periods.

Given that the estate is valued at approximately Rs 7,960 crore, the government will need to meticulously strategize the utilization of these assets to prevent allegations of mismanagement or favoritism.

Effective use of the land for public welfare, such as infrastructure or social projects, will be crucial in gaining public backing.

As the properties of Bettiah Raj span both Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, the government must address interstate jurisdictional complexities and effectively collaborate with authorities in UP.

If managed properly, the reclaimed land could be developed for industrial, agricultural, or residential purposes, thereby stimulating local economies.

Extensive areas of land could facilitate infrastructure development, including roads, schools, hospitals, and public facilities.

Addressing the historical, legal, and social complexities will be essential for successfully integrating Bettiah Raj properties into the state's developmental agenda.

(Ajay Kumar can be reached at ajay.k@ians.in)