Editor,
I would like to draw the urgent attention of the state government and the district administrations concerned to the severe hardships faced by citizens while applying for a land possession certificate (LPC).
Given Arunachal Pradesh’ unique tribal heritage, diversity, and customary laws, the process of recognising and certifying land ownership ought to be seamless and straightforward. However, the reality on the ground is drastically different. While I cannot speak for the administrative conveniences enjoyed in other towns or central districts, residents living along the Assam-Arunachal border – particularly in Kangku circle of Lower Siang district – are facing immense and unnecessary hurdles.
The primary bottleneck in this region is the highly unprofessional and exploitative conduct of the mandals (surveyors). It has become an unwritten rule that these officials routinely demand arbitrary ‘petrol charges’ or ‘per-visit fees’ ranging from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,000 from every applicant. If an applicant refuses or is unable to pay these illegal exactions, the surveyor conveniently claims to be ‘too busy’ in other locations, effectively stalling the citizens’ application indefinitely.
This administrative apathy is especially frustrating when contrasted with the situation just across the state’s boundary. Recognising the geopolitical sensitivity of border regions, the Assam administration seemingly issues land documents to its border residents with swift efficiency. Meanwhile, bonafide Arunachalis are left to plead repeatedly with officials and bear the burden of their ‘transportation costs’ just to get their ancestral lands officially certified.
Secure land rights in border areas are not just a matter of personal property; they are crucial for asserting and maintaining our state’s territorial integrity. Therefore, I urgently appeal to the Government of Arunachal Pradesh to intervene in this matter.
I request the government to issue strict directives to the deputy commissioners of all districts to streamline and ease the LPC process; prioritise border areas to ensure that land belonging to Arunachalis are legally and efficiently registered without undue delay; and establish a strict vigilance mechanism to take immediate disciplinary action against any mandal, surveyor, or official found demanding bribes or unofficial fees from the public.
It is high time that the system served the people rather than exploiting them. We hope the authorities will take swift cognisance of this grievance.
A concerned citizen