Himachal Pradesh Revenue Minister Criticises Delay in Nautor Land Allotment by Governor

The debate over the allocation of nautor land has re-emerged in Himachal Pradesh. Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi recently criticised Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla for delaying approval on this matter. During a media interaction, Negi also questioned Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur and the state BJP, asking if they supported granting nautor land to tribal communities.

Nautor land refers to unused land outside urban areas, excluding protected forests. The state government can notify such land for use with approval from the competent authority. According to nautor rules, tribals possessing less than 20 bighas of land can receive up to 20 bighas more. However, the governor must suspend the Forest Conservation Act (FCA) for any nautor land allocation.

Nautor Land Allocation and FCA Suspension

Negi stated that he met the governor five times regarding this issue. He expressed disappointment over the governor's remarks that Raj Bhawan was not meant for fulfilling election promises. The minister highlighted that granting nautor land has been a practice since former Chief Minister Y S Parmar's time but was interrupted by the FCA's implementation.

The revenue minister emphasised that the governor has the authority to establish rules for tribal regions. A proposal was submitted to suspend the FCA for two years to facilitate nautor land allocation. Negi noted that three previous governors had suspended the FCA to assist tribal people.

Pending Allotments and Political Tensions

Currently, 12,742 individuals are eligible for nautor land, but their allocations remain pending. On Saturday, Governor Shukla expressed his displeasure over Negi's comments, stating he was committed to adhering to norms rather than fulfilling anyone's election promises.

The issue has sparked political tensions, with Negi urging opposition leaders to clarify their stance on supporting tribal rights. The ongoing debate highlights the complexities involved in balancing environmental conservation with tribal welfare in Himachal Pradesh.