Government To Formulate Policy For Relief In Encroachment Cases Involving Poor

Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) : In a major humanitarian move, the state government has announced its intention to formulate a comprehensive policy aimed at providing significant relief to poor and landless families entangled in anti-encroachment drives. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath stated that while freeing public land from illegal occupations remains a priority, the administration must handle cases involving marginalized and economically weaker sections with utmost sensitivity and compassion.

The Chief Minister directed senior administrative and revenue officials to draft a structured framework that distinguishes between professional land mafias and destitute families who have set up temporary shelters due to a lack of resources. Under the proposed policy, before any eviction or demolition takes place against genuinely poor or landless individuals, local administrations will be required to arrange proper rehabilitation. The government plans to link these affected families with existing welfare schemes, such as the PM Awas Yojana or local housing initiatives, to ensure they are not left homeless.

"Our battle is against organized land grabbers who exploit public properties for commercial gains, not against the poor who struggle for basic survival," the Chief Minister emphasized during a high-level review meeting. He further instructed officials to conduct detailed ground surveys to identify genuinely eligible beneficiaries. The state government intends to finalize the policy guidelines soon, balancing the dual objectives of urban planning and social justice. This decision has been widely welcomed by social activists, who view it as a crucial step toward protecting the fundamental right to shelter for the underprivileged.