A recent study by the law department of Punjabi University Patiala has revealed that most of the data related to land reform measures are not available with the concerned departments in Himachal Pradesh. The study, which was conducted by researcher Kusum Verma under the leadership of Dr. Anupam Ahluwalia, also found that the tribal land laws of the state are bound by centuries-old patriarchal law, which allows only males to inherit ancestral property.
The study, which is titled “Study of Land Reform Laws in Himachal Pradesh,” has analyzed the different policies, schemes, and 5-year plans implemented in the state to fulfill the constitutional mandate of equality and social welfare. It has also examined the role played by various land reform laws in achieving these objectives.
One of the key findings of the study is that the lack of data on land reform measures makes it difficult to assess their impact. The study found that the concerned departments do not have complete data on the allotment of land to the landless and poor sections of society, or on the implementation of other land reform measures.
Another key finding of the study is that the tribal land laws of Himachal Pradesh are discriminatory against women. The study found that these laws are based on centuries-old patriarchal norms, which deny women the right to inherit ancestral property.
The study also found that the land reforms in Himachal Pradesh have not brought about any revolutionary change in the agricultural structure. However, the study argues that it would be wrong to dismiss them as trivial or futile exercises. The study concludes that the land reforms have played a role in improving the lives of the landless and poor sections of society, and in reducing the concentration of land ownership in the hands of a few.
