Punjab Cabinet Approves Charges for Village Land Encroachments
CHANDIGARH: The Punjab cabinet has approved a proposal empowering the government to impose charges on illegally occupied land designated for village common roads and watercourses. Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema stated that many panchayat paths and watercourses have been encroached upon by real estate developers and individuals. “We will form price fixation committees, led by the relevant deputy commissioners, to collect payments from those currently occupying the land. Revenue generated will be shared between the local body or panchayat and the state government,” he added. An amendment to the Punjab Village Common Lands (Regulation) Rules, 1964, will facilitate this…