Nautor Row: Jagat Singh Negi Questions Delay in Tribal Land Rights
Himachal Minister Jagat Singh Negi urges the Governor to resolve the Nautor land allotment delay to protect tribal economic rights.
Himachal Pradesh Revenue, Horticulture, and Tribal Development Minister Jagat Singh Negi has launched a sharp critique regarding the long-standing delay in implementing Nautor land provisions within the state's tribal regions. Expressing deep concern over the economic rights of tribal communities, Negi questioned why the matter remains pending before Governor Kavinder Gupta.
The Minister highlighted that the tribal population has already initiated a "Nautor Yatra" to demand the implementation of these provisions. He emphasized that this movement is not a mere political stunt but a genuine expression of the anxieties felt by people waiting for land allotments.
The Nautor System and Regulatory Hurdles
According to Negi, the Nautor system is governed by the Himachal Pradesh Nautor Land Rules, 1968, which allow for land grants intended for agriculture and horticulture, provided certain conditions are met. However, a significant obstacle exists: the Forest Conservation Act, 1980.
Because a vast majority of land in tribal areas falls under forest regulatory frameworks, the Minister noted that the state government lacks the authority to override central legislation. He argued that under the constitutional framework for Scheduled Areas, the Governor possesses special powers to address laws and regulations that impact tribal territories.
Historical Context and Implementation Gaps
Negi provided a comparative look at how the Nautor process was handled in the past:
- 2014–2016: During the previous Congress administration, the Forest Conservation Act was kept inoperative for tribal areas.
- Until 2018: This exemption was extended, allowing the government to process Nautor cases and facilitate development.
- Success Stories: Negi claimed that during that period, five land grants (pattas) were issued in Kinnaur in a single day, and approximately 7,000 cases awaiting joint inspection were processed.
- Current Stagnation: He alleged that under the BJP government, only one Nautor grant was made in Kinnaur before the entire process was halted.
Politics vs. Eligibility
The Minister insisted that land allotment should be strictly based on eligibility rather than political loyalty. He stated clearly that the Nautor rules do not differentiate between supporters of the Congress, the BJP, or any other political entity.
"The eligibility should be based on the rules. It should not matter whether the person belongs to the Congress, BJP or no political party,"Negi asserted. He maintained that providing adequate land is essential for tribal families to engage in productive agriculture and horticulture, especially in remote and border regions.
Call for Governor's Intervention
While Governor Kavinder Gupta has maintained that Nautor allotments must follow transparent and uniform eligibility criteria—and has even sought legal opinions—Negi believes the delay has gone on for too long. The Minister noted that he has met with both the current and former Governors multiple times regarding this issue.
Negi urged the Governor to exercise his constitutional powers specific to Scheduled Areas to resolve the deadlock. He further accused the BJP of politicizing the issue, suggesting their approach contradicts the central government's goal of preventing migration from border areas by failing to economically strengthen the local tribal communities.