Assam Redefines 'Original Inhabitants' in Revised Land Law for Heritage Zones
The Assam Legislative Assembly on Wednesday passed a revised amendment to the Assam Land Revenue and Regulation Act, redefining who qualifies as an 'original inhabitant' for land transactions near heritage structures. This comes two years after the original 2024 amendment was passed but never enforced.
The new Bill, introduced by the state government, tightens restrictions on the sale and purchase of land within a 5-kilometre radius of 'iconic heritage structures' that are over 250 years old. Only individuals defined as 'original inhabitants' can legally buy or sell land in these areas.
Under the revised definition, an 'original inhabitant' is a person who, along with their family, has resided in the area for 'three generations prior to the date of commencement of the Act.' This replaces the earlier 2024 definition, which also used a three-generation criterion but lacked clarity on the reference date.
The 2024 Assam Land and Revenue Regulation (Amendment) Bill had been passed by the previous Assembly but was not implemented due to administrative and legal concerns. The revised Bill addresses these issues, according to state officials, while maintaining the core objective of protecting heritage sites from unregulated land transactions.
The move has been debated in political circles, with some arguing that the definition may exclude long-term residents who cannot prove generational continuity, while others say it is necessary to preserve the cultural and historical character of these areas.
The Bill will now be sent to the Governor for assent. Once enacted, it will amend the principal Act of 1886, which governs land revenue and regulation in Assam.
