TFP Bureau, Raipur, March 31, 2024: The Chhattisgarh Pradesh Congress Committee has strongly criticized the government’s decision to abolish the 30% discount on guideline rates of land, labeling it as an act of oppression against the state’s populace. Sushil Anand Shukla, President of the State Congress Communication Department, asserted that this move by the current administration aims to impede the ability of the underprivileged to purchase homes and land, promising repercussions in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
During the BJP’s tenure under the Raman government, the guideline rates of land soared by 10 to 15% annually, doubling in many areas compared to market rates, due to pressure from BJP authorities. In response, the Congress government had instituted a 30% discount on guideline rates for five years, maintaining them at Rs. 1. This initiative facilitated affordable housing for the common man, alleviating tax burdens and fostering economic activity. However, the recent withdrawal of this discount threatens to disrupt the real estate sector, a significant source of employment in the state.
Contrary to claims by the Finance Minister, Shukla clarified that farmers’ compensation is based on guideline rates, unaffected by the discount. The rollback jeopardizes the welfare of farmers and small traders, echoing previous BJP policies targeting the marginalized. Shukla condemned the trend of BJP-led policies burdening the poor and small businesses, recalling previous bans on land registration for plots under 5 decimals, favoring the interests of the BJP land mafia.
The Congress Committee urges the government to reconsider its decision, emphasizing the detrimental impact on both the common man and small-to-medium enterprises.
