Punjab gives property ownership rights to scheduled tribes

Ludhiana, Aug 15 (UNI) On the occasion of the country's 62nd Independence Day the Punjab Government today decided to confer ownership rights to the members of the 'Vimukat Jatis' (scheduled tribes) who had constructed their hamlets on 'shamlat' land (common land in villages).

Those families who had constructed houses on 'shamlat' land on or before August 15 this year would be confered these rights.

This announcement was made by Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today after unfurling the national tricolor and taking a salute during an impressive march past by contingents of the Punjab Armed Police, Scouts and Guides, NCC cadets and ex-servicemen at the state level I-day celebrations here.

This decision would benefit 30,000 families belonging to Vimukat Jatis including Bazigar, Sansi, Barare, Gandhilay, Natt, Bangale and Bauria.

Mr Badal also announced to increase the minimum monthly wages of unskilled workers to Rs 3200 from Rs 2620 (with a daily wage up from Rs 100 to Rs 123). This would benefit as many as 15 lakh unskilled workers in the state.

Besides the Chief Minister also announced to transfer 42,000 acre of cultivable land across the banks of the rivers in the state to the tillers who had been carrying out farming operations on such areas for several years. This transfer would be on nominal charges of Rs 1200 per acre.

He asked the Centre and State governments to take pledge on this solemn occasion to undertake programmes and schemes exclusively for the development and welfare of the common man. This will be a real tribute to the national heroes and martyrs who made supreme sacrifices for the independence of our country, he added.

Mr Badal pointed out that the unique sacrifices made by martyrs like Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh, Shaheed Udham Singh, Lala Lajpat Rai, Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha could not be over looked. He exhorted the youth to emulate the noble life and philosophy of these great freedom fighters and patriots so that the dignity and honour of the motherland could remain intact.

He criticised the Centre for delaying the installation of the statue of Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh in Parliament.

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