The Association for Democracy and Empowerment (ADE), through a representation to the CEM of GHADC, Benedic Marak, has sought for more deliberations to be undertaken on the Svamitva Scheme–a central scheme under the Ministry of Panchayati Raj.
The scheme looks to validate property and clear ownership in rural inhabited areas through mapping the same through drone technology.
The suggestions made by the NGO came after a meeting held between various stakeholders, including the GHADC, civil society organizations as well as the Council of Nokmas on December 18.
“We feel more time should be given for deliberation before putting into operation in our state as we need to ponder over the pros and cons of the scheme in the state. Being a Sixth Scheduled State along with shared international border, any initiation of this kind needs to be thoroughly discussed,” felt president of ADE, Dalseng B Ch Momin.
Further they pointed out that the state follows the matrilineal system and the system is completely different from other states.
ADE further raised another concern over the scheme over the issue of illegal settlers who have been forcibly inhabiting various border areas which they said has caused total demographic change in Garo Hills.
“Jongkipara A’king land, where previously there were around 200 families of such settlers, now there are over 300. Again in Ramdenggagre A’king these settlers have even set up illegal stone crusher machines, discriminately damaging our hills and rivers. There are more than 200 doubtful migrant families staying in Wa’dagokgre village,” said Momin while giving a few examples. While they have been raising the issue up with authorities, nothing has been done to change the situation.
ADE expressed concern over the fact that the scheme may be used to claim these lands legally, blaming the state for not taking the situation seriously.
They felt that instead of such schemes, the centre should focus on strengthening the Autonomous Councils. “The scheme is very good to be applicable to those parts of the country where the landless section are deprived or oppressed. We have been living serenely with our customary laws for thousands of years,” they opined.
“We feel that, with the GHADC being empowered to recognize right of ownership, it would go against the spirit of the Constitution for the Council to be a nodal agency for such mapping and validation. It would create dual authority for recognition of land rights and encroach the power of land reforms,” felt ADE.
ADE, through its representation has sought the GHADC to speak to the Centre and seek an exemption for the state from the scheme.
