'BJP, JD(S) responsible for law to reclaim encroached land'

Law to reclaim the encroached land was passed during the reign of BJP-JD(S) coalition government in the State.

However, now leaders from the same political parties are opposing the eviction drive, by holding padayatra and protest, to hide their mistakes and to gain political mileage, alleged KPCC Vice-president B L Shankar. 

Addressing a press meet here on Monday, he said that the coalition government had amended the Land Revenue Act in 2006-2007, to reclaim encroached land and to check encroachment of the land in cities. Now, the law is extended to rural areas too.

“The one who had flagged off the drive against land encroachment has decided to stage a protest. Both the BJP and the JD(S) do not have any moral right to protest against eviction of encroached land,” he said.

“Land encroaching was a civil crime in the past. Today it is considered as a criminal offense.

The BJP- JD(S) coalition government is responsible for this. According to the Act, people who encroach the government land can be imprisoned with a penalty ranging between Rs 5,000 to 25,000.

In case if the officials help in encroachment they can be imprisoned for three years. Permission from Deputy Commissioner is required to use agriculture land for other purposes,” he informed.

Land Encroachment Prevention Act 2007 was based on A T Ramaswamy committee report.

The Centre has implemented Forest Rights Act. However, the State government delaying in implementing the Act. Under the Act, those who have applied for land can not be evicted. MLA will be the President of Akrama Sakrama committee.

However, owing to the negligence of the State government, tribals are denied of their rights. 

Shankar said that Union Minister S M Krishna will be actively involved in bringing the Congress back to power in the coming Assembly election.

“It is his state. There is no question of calling him back," he said.

“The Congress has not won any elections by portraying any leader. The party has adopted a secular policy,” he said.

“It is very sad to note that some legislatures and MLAs have gone on foreign tour inspite of drought situation in the state. The reasons given by the ministers for taking up the tours show they do not have any concern towards the people,” he said.

The Congress High Command has stated that MLAs can not go on foreign trips during drought. KPCC President has decided to issue a notice to those MLAs who have gone on tour, he said.