Legislation to Facilitate Radha Soami Satsang Beas Land Transfer

Vishal Rana, Hamirpur

The Himachal Pradesh government is set to amend the Land Ceiling Act, 1972, primarily to address a request from Radha Soami Satsang Beas. This amendment will enable the transfer of land associated with Bhota Hospital in Hamirpur district to the Maharaj Jagat Singh Medical Relief Society, which oversees the charitable hospital.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, during a media interaction at his official residence on Sunday, revealed that the proposal is under legal review. The organization has argued that transferring the land is essential for GST exemptions. To address this, the government has formed a committee of officials to examine the matter thoroughly. If necessary, the state assembly will introduce a bill in its upcoming session.

This charitable hospital, located in Bhota, offers free medical services to the people of Hamirpur. To facilitate the transfer, the government plans to issue an ordinance amending the Land Ceiling Act, followed by the introduction of a legislative bill.

The Revenue Department has already forwarded a draft ordinance to the Law Department for screening. Upon receiving clearance, the proposal will be presented to the state cabinet. After cabinet approval, the amendment will be sent to the Government of India for Presidential assent. Once approved, it will be formally notified.

The process requires meticulous attention, as the Land Ceiling Act enjoys constitutional protection. Originally enacted during the tenure of Dr. Y.S. Parmar, the Act aimed to impose limits on individual land holdings to ensure equitable distribution.

This amendment marks a significant step by the government, balancing legal frameworks with the welfare objectives of charitable organizations.