Bhubaneswar: In Odisha, the state government has launched a major campaign against illegal occupation of government land, misuse and land lying unused for years. District-wise review of all government land distributed through lease, advance possession, permissive possession and alienation will also be done. Dr. Additional Chief Secretary of Revenue and Disaster Management Department. Arvind Kumar Padhi has issued strict instructions to all collectors.
In the letter Dr. Padhi explained that government land is a valuable public resource. Its protection, proper use and prevention of illegal encroachment is the primary responsibility of the government. Revenue officers are asked to act fearlessly and impartially in accordance with the law without any pressure or influence, especially in cases involving influential persons, organizations or vested interests.
Resume must not be used for 3 years
According to the Government's directives, if the leased government land remains unused for more than 3 years after settlement or is being used for other purposes instead of the approved purpose, then the process of returning the land to the government will be expedited as per the law. This will be done as per Odisha Government Land Settlement Act, 1962 and OGLS Rules, 1983.
