YUPIA : The Papum Pare district administration, in collaboration with the All Nyishi Youth Association (ANYA), Papum Pare unit, and the Yupia Youth Association (YYA), has resolved to intensify action against illegal encroachment and unauthorised occupation of government land and residential quarters.
The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Papum Pare Deputy Commissioner Lobsang Tsering at the DC Conference Hall here on Friday.
The meeting was attended by representatives of the two youth organisations, Additional Deputy Commissioners of Sagalee and Kimin, Balijan Circle Officer, the District Land Records and Settlement Officer (DLRSO), heads of departments and officials from various government departments.
The meeting decided to create a comprehensive database of government land allotments, residential quarters and cases of unauthorised occupation by government employees as well as members of the public. Mechanisms for monitoring and safeguarding government assets were also discussed.
Addressing the meeting, the DC said coordinated efforts between the administration and stakeholders could significantly reduce encroachment on government land and public assets. He noted that the government has adopted a stricter approach by linking the issuance of no objection certificates (NOCs) and vigilance clearances with service benefits, including promotions, Modified Assured Career Progression (MACP) and retirement benefits. He added that several employees had already faced delays in receiving such benefits due to unresolved cases of unauthorised occupation of government quarters.
Tsering directed all heads of departments to ensure that employees under their control do not encroach upon government land or occupy government quarters unauthorisedly. He warned that officers who knowingly ignore such violations could also face action under the Arunachal Pradesh Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act and other applicable rules. He further asked departments to maintain updated records of government land and quarters and extend full cooperation in identifying and removing encroachments.
Additional Deputy Commissioner (Headquarters) and Estate Officer Tame Yajum informed the meeting that Joint Inspection Teams (JITs) would be constituted to verify cases of encroachment on government land and public premises in response to demands raised by the two youth organisations. She said the teams would be headed by the Administrative Officer of the respective jurisdiction and include representatives of the district administration, ANYA and YYA to ensure transparency during inspections.
Yajum also urged representatives of the youth organisations to familiarise themselves with the provisions of the Arunachal Pradesh Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act. She informed that the demarcation of the Yupia district headquarters had been temporarily suspended due to lack of funds and expressed hope that the exercise would resume once funds were available.
Sagalee Additional Deputy Commissioner Kipa Raja stressed the need for scientific mapping of all government land and residential quarters through a digital inventory incorporating land demarcation details, geo-coordinates, geo-tagged photographs and boundary records to strengthen monitoring and facilitate timely detection of encroachments.
Kimin Additional Deputy Commissioner Ocean Gao and Balijan Circle Officer Pura Rallo briefed the meeting on the status of government quarters and encroachment-related issues in their respective jurisdictions and assured full cooperation in the proposed inspection and verification exercise.
Representatives of departments including the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED), Rural Works Department (RWD), Health, Education and Power departments also assured the administration of their support in safeguarding government land and public assets.
ANYA Papum Pare unit president Likha Robin, YYA president Tana Tako and YYA general secretary Teshi Ramesh expressed concern over the growing incidence of illegal encroachment and unauthorised occupation of government quarters. They urged the administration to initiate strict action against violators irrespective of status and emphasised the need for comprehensive documentation of government land, office premises and residential quarters to prevent future encroachments.
The meeting concluded with a collective resolve by the district administration, government departments and the two youth organisations to work in close coordination through regular inspections, proper documentation and strict enforcement of relevant legal provisions to protect government land and public assets. (DIPR)
