Arunachal Pradesh, India's northeasternmost state, is characterized by its diverse indigenous communities and challenging terrain. Land in this region is not merely a resource, but deeply intertwined with cultural identity and traditional practices. This makes land management and revenue administration a complex and sensitive issue in the state.
Historically, land in Arunachal Pradesh was primarily under customary ownership of various tribes, with little formal documentation or record-keeping. However, with increasing development pressures and the need for planned growth, the state government enacted the Arunachal Pradesh (Land Settlement and Records) Act, 2000. This Act aimed to establish a comprehensive system for land revenue administration while recognizing and incorporating customary land rights.
Key Features of Land Management and Revenue Administration in Arunachal Pradesh:
Dual System of Land Ownership: Arunachal Pradesh follows a dual system of land ownership, recognizing both customary rights and individual ownership. While customary laws continue to govern land held by indigenous communities under traditional systems, individual ownership is facilitated through settlement and registration processes.
Land Settlement and Records: The 2000 Act provides for a systematic survey and settlement of land, leading to the creation of land records. These records are crucial for establishing ownership, resolving disputes, and facilitating land transactions. The process involves demarcation of boundaries, identification of landholders, and recording of rights.
Role of Traditional Institutions: Traditional institutions, such as village councils and tribal elders, play a significant role in land management, particularly in areas where customary laws prevail. Their involvement ensures that land administration is sensitive to local customs and practices, promoting community participation and conflict resolution.
Land Revenue Assessment and Collection: Land revenue is a crucial source of income for the state government. The assessment and collection of land revenue are carried out by the Revenue Department, based on the type of land, its use, and productivity. However, land revenue rates are often nominal, considering the socio-economic conditions of the people.
Land Reforms: The 2000 Act also incorporates certain land reform measures, aiming to promote equitable distribution of land and prevent concentration of land ownership in a few hands. However, implementation of land reforms has been challenging due to the complex land tenure system and the need to balance customary rights with modern land management practices.
Challenges and Opportunities: Land management and revenue administration in Arunachal Pradesh face several challenges, including:
Difficult terrain and remoteness: Conducting surveys and demarcating boundaries in the hilly and forested terrain of Arunachal Pradesh is a logistical challenge.
Lack of awareness and capacity: Many people, particularly in remote areas, are not aware of their land rights and the procedures for land registration. There is also a need to build capacity among government officials and traditional institutions to effectively implement the land administration system.
Land disputes and conflicts: Overlapping claims, encroachment, and disputes over customary rights are common, requiring effective mechanisms for conflict resolution.
However, there are also opportunities for improvement:
Technology adoption: Utilizing modern technologies like GIS and remote sensing can significantly aid in land surveys, mapping, and record-keeping.
Community participation: Strengthening the role of traditional institutions and promoting community participation can enhance the legitimacy and effectiveness of land administration.
Capacity building: Investing in training and capacity building programs for government officials, traditional leaders, and the public can improve land management practices.
Conclusion:
Land management and revenue administration in Arunachal Pradesh is a dynamic and evolving field, navigating the complexities of customary traditions and modern governance. The 2000 Act provides a framework for a more systematic and transparent system, while recognizing the importance of customary rights. Addressing the challenges and harnessing the opportunities will be crucial for ensuring sustainable and equitable land management in this unique state.
Additional Points:
The Department of Land Management under the state government is the nodal agency responsible for land administration.
The state government is also implementing the Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP) to digitize land records and make them easily accessible to the public.
There is an ongoing effort to integrate customary laws with formal land administration systems, ensuring that traditional practices are respected while promoting efficient land management.
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