Landless squatters and powerless local units caught in federal eviction push
Summary
The federal government has tasked local units with relocating landless squatters and clearing encroachments, raising concerns over municipalities' capacity and authority amidst ongoing legal and financial challenges.
Key Points
- The federal government has directed all 753 local units to identify genuine landless squatters, manage their relocation, and clear encroached land per its 100-point action plan.
- Local governments lack legal authority to distribute land and face financial and institutional constraints in managing large-scale resettlement.
- Data shows over 1.2 million families have applied for land ownership, with significant numbers identified as landless Dalits, squatters, and informal settlers.
- Human rights activists warn the eviction drives risk violating constitutional protections and humanitarian standards due to inadequate planning and alternatives for displaced families.
