In a historic decision, Lieutenant Governor Vinay Kumar Saxena has approved a proposal to give ownership rights over government wasteland to the people of Ladakh.
On Friday, the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh approved the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council’s “Government Wasteland (NOTOR) Regularization Rules.”
The decision will directly benefit thousands of families and give them legal ownership rights over the land they have been using.
More than 60,000 acres of barren and unused government land in Ladakh had been allotted to people for farming.
However, because there was no clear legal system, landholders were unable to get the full economic benefit from this land.
Who Will Get Ownership Rights?
Under the new decision, only Notor land occupied before October 27, 2020, will be eligible for regularization.
Ownership rights will be given for a maximum of 10 acres of land. Any land beyond 10 acres will be given on a lease basis.
Land that was occupied after the October 27, 2020 cut-off date will not be regularized.
Permission to Change Land Use
The new rules will provide several benefits to landowners. After the land is regularized and ownership rights are granted, owners will be able to legally take loans from banks by using the land as an asset.
This can help them arrange money for farming and other development projects.
The rules will also allow Change of Land Use (CLU) for regularized non-registered land. This means the land can be used for purposes other than farming, subject to the applicable rules and permissions.
For many years, the absence of a clear legal framework has made it difficult to use thousands of acres of such land effectively.
The new rules aim to bring transparency and accountability while also improving the economic position of people using Notor land.
Hill Councils to Handle Regularization
The authority to allocate Notor land in all seven districts of Ladakh will remain with the respective Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils.
Before the rules are finally notified, the administration will place them before the public for two weeks of consultation.
During this period, the public and concerned parties will be able to submit their suggestions and objections.
Understand the Decision in Simple Terms
People who receive ownership rights will be able to take bank loans against the land.
Change of Land Use (CLU) will be possible, allowing the land to be used for purposes other than farming.
The Hill Autonomous Councils will have the authority to handle regularization in all seven districts.
Giving ownership rights to common people in Ladakh can help improve their economic condition.
Only land occupied before October 27, 2020 will qualify.
Ownership rights will be provided for up to 10 acres, while land beyond this limit will be given on lease.
The decision is being described as an important step towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Ease of Living”
and regulatory reform. It will give landowners greater legal certainty and an opportunity to turn land they have been using for a long time into valuable assets.
The administration has said it remains committed to the continued development and prosperity of Ladakh.
