‘Transparency’ in land auction leaves govt richer by Rs 13 cr

Disclosing this here on Monday, Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Surjit Singh Rakhra said the government had initiated a campaign, against illegal possession of common and undivided lands in the state’s villages, which has paid off with additional revenue to the exchequer. He added that this would further provide momentum to development in rural areas.

Divulging details of the campaign, Rakhra said that while the earlier projected amount was Rs 208 crore, the crack down on illegal occupants has benefited the state by Rs 13 crore this year. He added that the Punjab government has targeted Rs 250 crore for the next year through the auction system.

The panchayat minister said that the auctions of land worth over Rs 1 lakh were videographed, while the auction of land up to 25 acres was conducted in the presence of extension officers.