AAP delegation meets governor, opposes amendment to rules on village common land
CHANDIGARH: A delegation of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Tuesday met Punjab governor VP Singh Badnore and sought revocation of the state cabinet’s decision to amend the ‘Punjab Village Common Lands’ (Regulation) Rules, 1964, to enable transfer of ‘shamlat’ land owned by village panchayats to the Punjab Small Industries and Export Corporation (PSIEC).
Led by leader of opposition in state assembly Harpal Singh Cheema, the delegation alleged that the decision, taken by the government on the pretext of industrial development in rural areas, would have disastrous consequences in the long run.
“It was a mere ploy to appease the industrial honchos enjoying political patronage. Panchayats in the state would be deprived of a sizeable chunk of revenue generated on account of leasing out 1.35 lakh acres of land per annum,” the delegation said.
In a memorandum submitted to the governor, the AAP said,
“The PSIEC would not pay adequate share of the proceeds to the panchayats, which raises a serious question of propriety on the part of the government,” it said.
The delegation said it was a double whammy for the panchayats as the PSIEC would pay only 25% of the total price of the land to the panchayats in lieu of getting 100% ownership of the land. The remaining amount is to be paid later in four equal instalments, it said.
The delegation added that according to the statutory conditions laid down by the government, instalments would start two years after the purchase of the land, saying there is no mention as to how and when these will be paid.