The Himachal Pradesh government has renewed its efforts to provide Nautor forest land to eligible residents living in tribal and border areas of the state. Revenue, Horticulture and Tribal Development Minister Jagat Singh Negi recently met Governor Kavinder Gupta and requested him to approve the allotment of Nautor land so that local families can benefit from the scheme.
The meeting took place at Lok Bhavan on Monday evening. During the discussion, Negi explained the importance of the issue and highlighted the long-standing demand of people living in remote tribal regions. He urged the governor to take an early decision so that deserving residents can receive land and improve their livelihoods.
The matter is particularly important for people living in tribal districts where land availability is limited and many families depend on government support for agricultural and residential purposes. The state government believes that granting Nautor land can provide economic opportunities and strengthen development in these areas.
Nautor is a traditional land allotment system that exists in Himachal Pradesh. Under this system, eligible landless people or families with very little land can be allotted government land for cultivation, housing or other approved purposes.
For many years, Nautor land has played an important role in supporting rural communities, especially in hilly and remote regions. Through this arrangement, people who do not own enough land can receive plots that help them earn a livelihood and improve their standard of living.
In tribal areas, the demand for Nautor land is often higher because difficult terrain and limited agricultural land make it challenging for families to expand farming activities. Many young people in these regions also seek access to land to create employment opportunities and remain in their native villages.
However, the allotment of forest land under the Nautor system has faced legal and administrative challenges because of environmental regulations and restrictions imposed under national laws.
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During his meeting with Governor Kavinder Gupta, Jagat Singh Negi informed him that the state government had been working on this issue since coming to power in 2023.
According to the minister, soon after assuming office, the government requested an exemption from certain provisions of the Forest Conservation Act, 1980. The objective was to facilitate the allotment of Nautor land in tribal regions where people have long been seeking access to land for livelihood and development purposes.
The Forest Conservation Act was introduced to protect forests and prevent the unnecessary diversion of forest land. While the law plays an important role in environmental conservation, state officials argue that special consideration is needed in certain tribal and border areas where communities depend heavily on land resources.
Negi explained that restrictions under the Act have made it difficult to process Nautor land allotments in several regions. As a result, many eligible applicants have been waiting for years for decisions on their cases.
The minister therefore requested that the restrictions affecting Nautor allotments in tribal areas be removed or relaxed so that deserving families can benefit from the scheme.
The issue is especially significant for people living in Himachal Pradesh’s tribal districts and border regions. These areas often face geographical challenges, limited infrastructure and fewer economic opportunities compared to other parts of the state.
Many residents depend on agriculture, horticulture and animal husbandry for their income. Access to land is therefore closely linked to their economic well-being.
Supporters of the proposal argue that allotting Nautor land can help reduce migration from remote villages. Young people who receive land may be able to start farming, horticulture projects or other livelihood activities in their own communities.
The state government also believes that strengthening economic opportunities in border areas can contribute to balanced regional development. Improved livelihoods may encourage families to remain in these strategically important regions rather than moving to towns and cities in search of work.
For tribal communities, land often carries cultural and social significance as well. Access to land can help preserve traditional lifestyles and support community development.
The governor’s approval is particularly important because of constitutional provisions relating to tribal areas.
Under the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution of India, the governor has specific powers and responsibilities concerning certain matters affecting tribal communities. In Himachal Pradesh, approval relating to Nautor forest land allotments in tribal regions falls within the governor’s authority.
Because of this constitutional framework, the state government requires the governor’s support before moving forward with the proposal.
During the meeting, Negi emphasised that a positive decision would provide relief to many eligible residents who have been waiting for land allotments. He said that young people and families in tribal and border areas would benefit significantly if the process could move ahead.
According to officials, Governor Kavinder Gupta listened to the concerns raised by the minister and acknowledged the importance of the issue.
The governor assured Negi that the matter would be examined carefully and that an appropriate decision would be taken as early as possible.
Although no immediate approval was announced, the assurance has raised hopes among residents and local leaders who have been advocating for Nautor land allotments.
Many stakeholders believe that a timely decision could help address long-pending demands and support development in remote tribal areas.
The discussion between the minister and the governor marks another step in the state government’s efforts to resolve the issue of Nautor land allotment.
If approval is granted, it could open the way for eligible families and youth in tribal regions to receive land and pursue economic opportunities. It could also contribute to rural development and strengthen communities living in remote border areas.
At the same time, any decision will need to balance developmental needs with environmental concerns, ensuring that forest resources are protected while addressing the aspirations of local residents.
For now, people in Himachal Pradesh’s tribal regions are waiting for the governor’s decision, which could have a significant impact on the future of land allotment and rural development in these areas.
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