Punjab Assembly: AAP MLA questions minister over non-bidding of panchayat land
Punjab Assembly Session: AAP Lawmakers Press Ministers on Land Management and Infrastructure
Bharatmorningnews.com – During Friday's proceedings at the Punjab Assembly in Chandigarh, two cabinet ministers faced scrutiny from Aam Aadmi Party legislators regarding administrative matters. Rural Development Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond and Revenue Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian found themselves at the center of questions concerning panchayat land transactions and regional infrastructure development.
Questions Regarding Daulatpur Village Land
MLA Manwinder Singh Giaspura, representing the Payal constituency, directed his inquiry toward Minister Sond concerning the absence of bidding procedures for an 11-acre parcel belonging to the panchayat in Daulatpur village. The legislator issued a bold declaration during Question Hour, stating that should the minister demonstrate even one instance of successful bidding for this land within the current year, he would step down from his position.
Giaspura pressed the minister on two fronts: whether the bidding process was genuinely impossible to execute and what accountability measures would follow if negligence was found. He emphasized that the legislative chamber should not serve as a venue for untruths.
"If the minister saab proves even a single bidding took place this year, I will resign as an MLA. I am saying this with full responsibility. Will the minister tell me when the bidding was held? The House is not an 'adda' of speaking lies. Only truth should be spoken here."
Minister Sond provided his explanation, noting that the suspension of the local Sarpanch necessitated the appointment of an administrator to oversee the bidding process. He confirmed that such an appointment has now been completed. According to the minister, the department conducts monthly reviews of all comparable cases, ensuring that every piece of land available for lease undergoes auction procedures.
He further clarified that the annual lease rate has been raised by ₹4,000 per acre. Despite these efforts, potential bidders remained absent, likely due to the elevated starting amount. Consequently, officials reduced the threshold by ten percent and re-conducted the auction without receiving any responses. A fresh bidding session is scheduled for Friday.
Allegations of Land Fraud in Bara Phool
Addressing a separate concern, MLA Dinesh Chadha from Rupnagar raised allegations regarding 800 acres of panchayat territory in Bara Phool village. He claimed that powerful local elements, working alongside government officials, have acquired this land through questionable means. The legislator pointed out that the relevant department has yet to initiate any vigilance investigation into these matters.
When questioned about potential disciplinary action against employees involved in the disputed land transfers, Minister Sond indicated that he would consult the Advocate General before proceeding with any decisions.
Dera Bassi Infrastructure Concerns
Meanwhile, Revenue Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian faced criticism from MLA Kuljit Singh Randhawa, who represents the Dera Bassi constituency. The issue centered on the temporary relocation of the Sub-Divisional Magistrate's office to a municipal council community facility.
Randhawa expressed dissatisfaction with the minister's response, noting that he had been monitoring the situation for eighteen months. He highlighted that Dera Bassi stands as one of the most populous assembly constituencies, housing approximately 15 lakh residents, yet lacks adequate administrative infrastructure.
"Dera Bassi is one of the largest assembly constituencies with a population of 15 lakh, yet it still does not have a proper divisional complex. The DSP office is 1.5 kilometres from Dera Bassi, the SDM sits one kilometre away, and the BDO office is 1.5 kilometres away. Also, the tehsil office functions in a 50x50 feet office. It takes one hour for the general public to reach the SDM's office."
The legislator painted a picture of dispersed administrative facilities, with various offices located at considerable distances from each other, creating inconvenience for citizens seeking government services.
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