Shimla, April 18: In Himachal Pradesh, more than 20,000 cases related to Nautor land allotment remain unresolved, with the matter currently pending approval from the Governor. The state government has proposed suspending the Forest Conservation Act (FCA) 1980 to facilitate land allotment to tribal farmers, but the delay in gubernatorial approval has sparked political friction.
Revenue and Tribal Development Minister Jagat Singh Negi, who has been at the forefront of the issue, once again met Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla on Thursday and pressed for an urgent decision. According to Negi, the proposal has been revised and submitted six times, but still awaits the Governor’s signature.
What Is Nautor and Why Is It Crucial?
Nautod refers to the allotment of government forest land for agricultural use by landless or marginal farmers, especially in tribal and remote areas. Historically, this policy helped boost livelihood and reduce migration from border regions, which are now increasingly vulnerable to foreign encroachment.
Minister Negi emphasized that Article 5 of the Constitution empowers the Governor to approve such proposals. He urged that the FCA be suspended for two years in tribal and border areas to allow young people access to land for farming and sustenance.
Concerns Over Migration and National Security
“The lack of land ownership is driving tribal youth towards unemployment and migration,” Negi said. “If border villages are vacated, it creates opportunities for countries like China to encroach. Nautod is not just a land issue, it’s a matter of strategic national importance.”
Since the enforcement of FCA in 1980, common citizens have lost rights over forest land, putting thousands of previously eligible cases in limbo. Currently, only those with less than 20 bighas of land are eligible to apply for Nautor land.
Governor’s Role and Central Approval
While the Governor has constitutional authority to act on such proposals, the Forest Conservation Act mandates clearance from the Central Government for any activity on forest land. This dual-level approval has further complicated the process.
The government is now waiting for the Governor to suspend FCA temporarily, allowing time-bound relief for tribal residents while continuing to push for a more permanent resolution at the central level.
The resolution of Nautor cases remains a pressing issue for thousands of tribal families, with political and administrative pressure mounting for a quick decision at the Raj Bhavan.
