Deadline Set for Property Cards for Tribal Farmers by December 15

The Maharashtra government has announced a deadline of December 15 for issuing property cards to all tribal farmers who cultivate forest land. This initiative aims to expedite the implementation of a decision made earlier this year, addressing a significant issue of land ownership among tribal communities.

Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, speaking to the media in Nagpur, highlighted that this decision will also extend to tribal individuals who constructed houses on the land prior to January 1, 2011. He noted that this move rectifies a historical oversight that has persisted since before India's independence, stating, "Tribal farmers have been cultivating forest land for centuries, but even after we got independence they did not have a property card."

Bawankule further explained that the government aims to provide ownership documents to every tribal farmer, thereby fulfilling a long-standing demand from the community. Additionally, farmers who currently possess partial land ownership documents will receive title deeds for their entire cultivated land, ensuring comprehensive recognition of their agricultural holdings.

The minister also addressed concerns raised by opposition parties regarding the potential loss of cultivation rights for tribal farmers. He accused these parties of attempting to mislead the tribal community for political gain. Bawankule asserted that tribal individuals are beginning to recognize who genuinely represents their interests, pointing to the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis as pivotal in bringing justice to farmers.

Looking ahead, the government is committed to ensuring that all tribal farmers receive their property cards by the set deadline. This initiative is expected to significantly impact the tribal community, providing them with legal recognition of their land and housing, and integrating them further into the socio-economic framework of the state.