Mission Basundhara 3.0 Begins

Mission Basundhara 3.0, launched by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, is a major government initiative focused on securing land rights for indigenous communities in the state.

This final phase of the mission builds on the success of the previous two phases and continues efforts to simplify land ownership processes and empower marginalized groups through digital transformation and legal recognition.

Background and Evolution

Mission Basundhara was first introduced on October 2, 2021, with a goal to streamline land-related services and grant rightful ownership to indigenous people. In Phase 1, over 800,000 applications were processed within nine months. Phase 2 successfully granted land rights to over 200,000 applicants.

Mission Basundhara 3.0, launched at Srimanta Sankaradev Kalakshetra, Guwahati, began accepting applications from October 20 to December 31, 2024, and has been declared the final phase of the program. No further phases (such as Mission Basundhara 4.0) are planned.

Key Features and Eligibility

The government has relaxed eligibility norms for several communities, including:

• Scheduled Castes (SC)

• Scheduled Tribes (ST)

• Tea Tribes

• Adivasis

• Gorkhas

These groups are now exempt from the requirement to produce three-generation proof of land occupancy. Additionally:

• Urban applicants will benefit from a reduced premium rate of 3% of zonal valuation.

• Refugees with valid pre-1971 certificates are also eligible.

• Small tea, coffee, and rubber cultivators can apply, with the added benefit of access to bank loans and financial aid.

Digital Transformation

A key focus of Mission Basundhara 3.0 is the digitization of land-related services:

• Introduction of “Digidoc”, a secure system for handling non-registrable land documents.

• Digital mapping and land passbook services for verified ownership.

• Conversion of annual pattas into periodic pattas.

• Settlement of land issues related to Bhoodan/Gram land.

• Review and resolution of pending applications from Phase 2.

To support this digital shift, the government is offering Rs 1 lakh grants to Mouzadars (land revenue officials) and forming a Closed User Group (CUG) for better communication and implementation.

Final Thoughts

Mission Basundhara 3.0 stands as a milestone in Assam’s journey toward land justice, especially for indigenous and marginalized communities. By eliminating complex requirements like ancestry proof and lowering premium rates, the government has ensured inclusive access to land ownership.

The use of technology through digitized land records, Digidoc, and land passbooks reflects a future-forward vision for transparent and efficient governance. With over 200,000 land titles already distributed, the mission not only empowers individuals but also boosts financial inclusion, allowing cultivators to access bank credit and grants.

As the final phase of this ambitious project, Mission Basundhara 3.0 is poised to make a lasting socioeconomic impact across Assam, supporting both grassroots development and sustainable land reforms.