Assam's Land Reforms: Mission Basundhara 3.0 Unveiled

Mission Background and Evolution

• Mission Basundhara 3.0 launched by CM Himanta Biswa Sarma at Srimanta Sankaradev Kalakshetra, Guwahati

• Event schedules between October 20, 2024, and December 31, 2024.

• The initiative began on October 2, 2021, focusing on indigenous land rights

• Impressive achievements of previous phases:

  • Phase 1: Processed 800,000 applications in nine months

  • Phase 2: Granted land rights to over 200,000 people

• Announced as the final phase with no plans for Mission Basundhara 4.0

Key Features and Eligibility

Relaxed eligibility criteria for specific communities:

• • Scheduled Castes (SC)
  • Scheduled Tribes (ST)
  • Tea Tribes
  • Gorkhas
  • Adivasi communities

• No three-generation ancestry proof is required for these groups

• Reduced premium rate of 3% of zonal valuation for urban residents

• Pre-1971 refugee certificate holders are eligible to apply

• Special provisions for tea, coffee, and rubber cultivators

• Access to financial support and bank loans for small tea growers

Digital Transformation and Services

• Introduction of "Digidoc" for non-registrable documents

• Complete digitization of land-related services

New features include:

• • Digital mapping system

  • Land passbooks implementation

  • Review of pending cases from Phase 2

  • Conversion of annual pattas to periodic pattas

  • Settlement of Bhoodan/Gramland issues

Financial support:

• • Rs 1 lakh grants to Mouzadars for digital upgrades

  • Project Closed User Group (CUG) for improved communication

  • Enhanced accessibility to land-related information

In Conclusion

Mission Basundhara 3.0 marks a significant step in securing indigenous land rights in Assam. By simplifying eligibility criteria, digitizing land records, and providing financial support, the initiative ensures greater accessibility and transparency in land ownership.

With over 200,000 people already benefiting, the program is set to leave a lasting impact on Assam’s socioeconomic landscape, empowering marginalized communities and fostering sustainable development.