Punjab extends deadline to vacate illegally occupied panchayat, govt land

Chandigarh, May 22: Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government on Monday extended the deadline to vacate the illegally occupied panchayat and government land to June 30, 2022. Earlier this month, Bhagwant Mann said people who are illegally occupying the administration's land will face action if they do not surrender it to the authorities by the month-end. The development comes after a meeting at Punjab Bhawan on Monday. Apart from this, it has been decided that the government will also issue a 15-day notice before re-occupying any land. Earlier, Panchayat Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal was taking possession with the help of the police force without any prior notice. Furthermore, the farmers will be able to acquire ownership of the illegally occupied land. Also Read | UP Budget for 2022-23 to be introduced on May 26: Adityanath According to farmer leaders, many farmers have been cultivating on Panchayati land for years, and many have also built houses. Farmers will have the chance to file applications for legally acquiring the land if notification is served prior to re-occupying the land. In addition, a joint committee will be formed to investigate illegal encroachments on government lands. The panel will have three members from farm unions, three from government officials, and one from the revenue department. According to a statement issued on May 11, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said that in case illegally occupied land was not voluntarily surrendered, the government will be forced to file FIRs against such people and also make them pay previous liabilities accrued on account of the illegal possession. “I appeal to those who have illegally occupied government or panchayat land, even if they are politicians, officials or influential people, to leave the illegal possession by May 31,” the CM has said in a tweet. Also Read | Delhi: Women panel chief inspects four MCD schools, calls them 'horror houses' -PTC News