Khargone admn rejects Tribal farmers’ land record claims

Khargone: The Khargone district administration has rejected claims by protesting tribal farmers of Dagadkhedi village regarding alleged discrepancies in land records, asserting that the disputed land has been recorded as govt property for nearly 100 years and that no errors have been found in revenue records.Tribal farmers from Dagadkhedi in Bhagwanpura tehsil have been staging a sit-in outside the Tehsil office since June 8, demanding correction of land records and recognition of their land rights.In an official statement, the administration said the protest concerns demands by applicants, including Baliram and Subhash Nigole, to have portions of Survey No. 318, spread over 232.318 hectares, recorded in their names under the Madhya Pradesh PESA Rules, 2022.According to revenue officials, historical records dating back to 1925-26 show the land as govt-owned. It was initially classified as forest land under old Survey No. 194 and later renumbered as Survey No. 318 during the 1968-69 settlement. The land continues to be recorded as government property in current records.Officials said no pattas have ever been issued for the land and no claimant has been found to be its lawful owner.

The administration alleged that some individuals are cultivating parts of the land under encroachment and are seeking ownership rights over the occupied area. It also maintained that the PESA Rules do not permit regularisation of encroached government land.District collector Bhavya Mittal said a detailed report has been submitted to the Chief Minister’s Office. Meanwhile, protesters continue to demand a fresh survey under Gram Sabha supervision, alleging record irregularities that have deprived families of welfare benefits, loans and crop insurance.