Feb 10, 2007: The Pioneer

Land settlement in KBK to get a boost
Pioneer News Service | Bhubaneswar

A high-level meeting on Friday presided over by Chief Secretary Ajit Kumar Tripathy, discussed with much concern the issue of providing pattas to the landless tribes in the KBK region.

Apart from the forestland, as per the directive of Supreme Court, the left-out lands need to be surveyed.

KBK Chief Administrator GB Mukherji suggested making necessary settlements on the basis of West Bengal, Karnataka and Maharastra model, which was adopted by a Washington-based survey organisation with the help of SHGs.

Firstly, the BPL list to be finalised and with help of the Gram Sabha, at least six decimal land to be provided to the landless people. It was decided to start such type of venture with OTELP as a pilot project, which has started functioning as the survey mechanism in Kashipur block of Rayagada district. Besides, to counter the starvation deaths though negligible nowadays, it was discussed to release a circular as interdepartmental responsibilities.

As such each touring officer of any department will take into account as first concern, while reviewing the departmental developments. Block Level Extension Officer, ICDS worker and SHG would take to the notice of the Government for immediate action.

As connectivity is the prime concern in KBK districts, Chief Secretary Tripathy opined not to compromise with quality control.

Adhering to Mukherji's suggestion, Tripathy said that Rural and Works Department should follow the norms and conditions as wells qualitative work of road construction under PMGSY and NREGS. He advised to maintain the 'stage pass' for quality control.

Depending upon the prevalent rate of diseases of the concerned area and this will enable them to take immediate action. Among others RN Bohidar, Secretaries from concerned departments participated in the high level meeting.