It sickening to note Congress leaders' political utterances over section 118 that bans outsiders and even local agriculturists to purchase land n Himachal. More disgusting is how "babus' made an abortive attempt to twist the rule in their favour and get a notification issued. The red faced Jairam Thakur Govt had to beat the retreat and had to cancel the notification. Under the dumped notification. outsider govt employees working in state for last thirty years were given the benefits to buy agriculture land up to 500 sq, meters for housing. So far, so good but why for govt employees only. Why not local non-agriculturists, being denied the legitimate rights since long.
Babus were smart enough to seize the opportunity as BJP appeared soft on the issue. Chief Minister Jairam Thakur had earlier expressed his desire to relax the section 118 as to facilitate investment in tourism and other sectors. It was, indeed, a genuine initiative. Himachal, is in dire need of employment generating activities and investment in tourism could open the door. But as is the politicians' wont, they look hot political issues for "vested interests" and are least concerned with people's interests. The utterly disgusting statements of leader of opposition, Mukesh Agnihotri, bears the testimony. He has threatened to launch agitation if there is any attempt to relax the rules. He is not bothered how sickening is his "wild" utterances to the non-agriculturists ( I am a agriculturist local). They have been rendered as refugee in their own homeland. High Court had come to their rescue two years back, but there is no relief as yet.
The section 118 is highly biased towards locals and has. so far, served the interests of influential people. Two days before, a retired senior bureaucrat has exposed the hollow claim of Congress over protecting state's interests. Congress hasn't yet replied. It will be more in people's interest to examine the issue on merits than on political considerations.