Yogi Adityanath Orders Legal Land Ownership for Families Displaced from Bangladesh: A Move Toward Justice and Rehabilitation
By Tajdar H. Zaidi
Lucknow
In a decisive and long-overdue move, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has instructed state officials to formulate a time-bound strategy for granting legal land ownership rights to families displaced from East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) and resettled in various parts of the state.
This initiative aims to rectify a decades-old injustice that has left thousands of refugee families in a state of legal limbo. “This is not just about conferring land rights,” the Chief Minister emphasized during a high-level meeting. “It is about honouring the enduring struggle of families who sought refuge in India and have been waiting patiently for rightful rehabilitation. This must be seen as a matter of national responsibility, social justice, and humanity.”
Historical Background: A Lingering Promise
Between 1960 and 1975, in the aftermath of political unrest and war in East Pakistan, the Indian government relocated thousands of displaced Bengali Hindu families to Uttar Pradesh. Many were settled in the fertile Terai belt — specifically the districts of Pilibhit, Lakhimpur Kheri, and parts of western UP, including Bijnor and Rampur.
Initially housed in temporary transit camps, these families were later allotted agricultural plots to help rebuild their lives. However, over the decades, bureaucratic and legal delays have denied formal land titles to more than 10,000 families, despite their active occupation and cultivation of these lands for nearly 50 years.
Administrative & Legal Hurdles
The state government has acknowledged multiple obstacles that have hindered the finalization of ownership:
- In many instances, the allotted land was recorded under the Forest Department, creating a jurisdictional tangle.
- Incomplete documentation, absence of formal handover processes, and the lack of physical possession records have further muddied the situation.
- Some displaced individuals continue to live and farm on land not legally registered in their names, while others were resettled on alternate plots never formally allotted to them.
An additional layer of complexity has emerged in villages where displaced persons from other states were also resettled, but continue to lack any legal entitlement to the land they occupy.
A senior state official explained, “Many of these families have constructed permanent houses, raised generations, and contributed to local economies — all while being invisible in official land records. Meanwhile, some original allottees have either migrated or passed away, adding to the confusion.”
Government Response: Action-Oriented Strategy
In light of these longstanding issues, CM Yogi has issued a multi-pronged directive:
- Immediate updating of land records to reflect the current status of occupants and allottees.
- Legal verification and regularization of claims for those who have been cultivating or residing on the land for decades.
- Provision of alternate plots in cases where the original land is unavailable due to encroachments or reclassification (such as under forest lands).
- Transparent resolution mechanisms to deal with disputed claims or incomplete formalities.
The Chief Minister reiterated, “We must bring these families under the fold of legal protection. They have waited long enough. Our approach must be rooted in compassion, accountability, and the spirit of national integration.”
The move is expected to significantly improve the quality of life and socio-economic status of these families, who have long contributed to the agrarian development of their respective regions without enjoying full land rights.
The government is also considering the possibility of issuing ownership certificates and updating digital land records to ensure long-term transparency and avoid future disputes.
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