Calls for land mapping and a one-stop interface to protect NRI properties
Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) Satnam Singh Sandhu has urged the Union Government to implement a robust mechanism to safeguard Non-Resident Indians’ (NRIs) properties, citing a sharp rise in land grabbing cases. He raised this concern during the ongoing Budget Session of Parliament, reported babushahi.com.
Urgent Need for a Protective Framework
Sandhu emphasized that the increasing incidents of NRI property encroachment have created an atmosphere of fear and insecurity, often forcing NRIs to sell their ancestral lands—their last remaining connection to their homeland.
Government Records Show Alarming Figures
According to the Union Ministry of External Affairs, 140 complaints related to NRI property disputes have been filed from 18 states in the past three and a half years
Tamil Nadu recorded the highest number of cases (22), followed by Uttar Pradesh (18) and Delhi (12).
A Call for Stronger Legal Protection
Recognizing the significant contributions of NRIs to India’s economy and global influence, Sandhu proposed key measures to protect their properties:
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Land Mapping System: To document NRI-owned properties, preventing illegal encroachments.
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One-Stop Interface: A dedicated platform for NRIs to file complaints and seek assistance.
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Fast-Track Courts: To expedite legal proceedings related to NRI property disputes.
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Embassy Complaint Facility: Enabling NRIs to report grievances through Indian embassies with timely follow-ups.
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Time-Bound Eviction Process: Swift removal of unauthorized occupants through a simple government notice.
Restoring Trust in India’s Legal System
Sandhu stressed that these policy interventions will not only ensure NRIs retain their properties without fear of illegal possession but will also reinforce their trust in India’s legal system, strengthening their bond with the country.
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