Shimla, December 2, 2024: In a significant step to address a decade-long land transfer issue concerning the Radha Soami Satsang Beas Charitable Hospital in Bhota, the Himachal Pradesh government has decided to amend the Land Ceiling Act. This legislative amendment, aimed at resolving land ownership disputes, will be introduced during the upcoming Winter Session of the Vidhansabha, set to begin on December 18, 2024, in Dharamshala.
A Decade-Old Land Dispute: The Catalyst for Legislative Action
The long-standing issue surrounding the land for the Radha Soami Satsang Beas Hospital in Bhota has remained unresolved for nearly ten years, with no concrete solution reached even during the previous BJP government’s tenure in 2019. The hospital, a charitable institution, has been providing essential healthcare services to the local population, but its continued operation was threatened due to the land transfer complications.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, in a meeting held at his official residence, Oak Over, acknowledged the urgency of resolving this issue and directed government officials to prepare a bill that would amend the Land Ceiling Act to allow for the land transfer necessary to secure the future of the hospital. He emphasized that the state government remains committed to ensuring uninterrupted healthcare services for the people of Bhota and surrounding areas.
Legislative Path Chosen Over Ordinance for Quick Resolution
Initially, the government had considered issuing an ordinance to address the issue expeditiously. However, with the Winter Session of the Vidhansabha fast approaching, it was decided that introducing an amendment bill would be a more effective and sustainable solution. The bill will be presented during the first day of the Winter Session, ensuring that the matter is addressed promptly and in a legislative manner.
Chief Minister Sukhu expressed his determination to resolve the land dispute, stating that while the issue had been on the table for years, the current government would take immediate steps to bring it to a close. He criticized the lack of resolution under the previous administration, highlighting the government’s priority to deliver on its promises and secure the hospital’s future.
Radha Soami Satsang Beas Orders Reopening of Bhota Charitable Hospital
In a positive development related to the hospital, Radha Soami Satsang Beas, the managing organization of the Bhota Charitable Hospital, has announced that the hospital will reopen its doors to patients starting Monday. Staff who were previously relocated to Sikandarpur have been instructed to return to Bhota, ensuring the hospital can resume its full operations and continue to serve the community.
Jitendra Jaggi, the hospital administrator, confirmed the reopening, noting that this decision follows the resolution of several internal matters and the expectation that the necessary land ownership issues will soon be resolved with the passing of the amendment bill. This marks a major step forward for the hospital, which plays a critical role in the healthcare system of the region.
A New Era for Healthcare in Bhota
The amendment to the Land Ceiling Act is expected to bring much-needed relief to the Radha Soami Satsang Beas Hospital, which has been an essential healthcare provider for the people of Bhota and surrounding areas. By ensuring the secure land transfer for the hospital, the government aims to stabilize the hospital’s future and guarantee the continuity of high-quality healthcare services.
The resolution of the land dispute is not only crucial for the hospital’s functioning but also sends a positive message about the current government’s commitment to resolving long-standing issues. Chief Minister Sukhu’s proactive approach underscores the importance of ensuring that critical infrastructure such as healthcare facilities remain unaffected by bureaucratic delays.
Looking Ahead: Ensuring Sustainable Healthcare in Himachal
With the land issue set to be addressed through the amendment bill, there is optimism that this will set a precedent for resolving other similar land-related disputes across the state. The government’s swift action to safeguard the future of Bhota’s charitable hospital reflects its dedication to the well-being of its citizens, particularly in rural areas where healthcare services are often limited.
As the Winter Session draws nearer, all eyes will be on the Vidhansabha to see the bill passed smoothly, allowing the hospital to operate without further complications and ensuring that local residents continue to benefit from essential healthcare services.
The Himachal Pradesh government’s decision to amend the Land Ceiling Act represents a critical step toward securing the future of Bhota Charitable Hospital. With the hospital’s reopening and the land transfer issue nearing resolution, the state is moving towards a brighter, more stable future for both healthcare services and local communities.
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