Assam Requires State Approval for Inter-Religion Land Transfers
- William John
- 6 hours ago
- 2 min read
The Assam government has introduced a new Standard Operating Protocol (SOP) mandating state approval for all inter-religion land transfers, including purchases by non-Assamese NGOs. The decision, approved by the Cabinet on Wednesday, aims to ensure transparency, prevent coercion, and safeguard social cohesion and national security.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated that the SOP will also cover NGOs from other states, which have recently been acquiring land in Assam and conducting activities that could potentially impact the state’s security. “In the last few days, we have observed NGOs from states like Kerala buying land in Assam and holding events that could, in the future, pose a threat to national security,” he said.
The SOP outlines a structured process for inter-religion land transfers. When a Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) receives a proposal involving parties of different religions, it will be forwarded to the Deputy Commissioner (DC) after routine verification. The DC will then send the proposal to the Revenue Department, where a nodal officer coordinates with the Special Branch of Assam Police.
The Special Branch will scrutinize the proposal based on four criteria:
Detection of fraud, coercion, or illegal transfer.
Verification of the source of funds, ensuring legality.
Assessment of the impact on social cohesion in the area.
Evaluation of any national security implications.
After the Special Branch submits its report, the state government reviews the inputs and returns it to the DC for a final decision.
Chief Minister Sarma emphasized that the procedure is not required for Assam-based NGOs, but all external organizations, whether setting up educational institutions, medical colleges, or other establishments, must comply with this approval process. He added that this measure reflects the state’s commitment to maintaining communal harmony while ensuring secure land transactions.
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