NEW DELHI: Residents from Delhi’s rural areas held a demonstration at Jantar Mantar to voice their frustration over unresolved issues, including infrastructure and land matters. The mahapanchayat saw participation from residents of all 360 villages in Delhi, as well as several villages from neighbouring Haryana. They presented ten demands, including tax exemptions, amendments to the land pooling policy, and the development of Delhi’s villages into smart villages.
Chaudhary Surender Solanki, head of Palam 360 Khap and leader of the protest, said that rural communities have significantly contributed to the development of Delhi but are currently neglected. “Delhi’s villages have become neither cities nor villages, but rather resemble slum areas. The apathy of successive govts towards the long-standing issues of Delhi’s rural population is no longer tolerable,” he said.
Protesters warned of boycotting the state polls if their demands are not met before the Delhi assembly elections.
“For over a year, we have been raising these issues with LG and chief minister of Delhi. Yet, apart from addressing a few minor concerns, the majority of problems remain unresolved. This time, we are ready for a decisive fight. We demand a permanent solution to all our issues with respect,” he added.
The mahapanchayat’s demands include resuming land mutation processes in Delhi’s villages, granting land ownership rights to poor farmers, and allocating alternative plots for those whose lands were acquired by the govt. Other demands are the implementation of the ownership scheme under Swamitva Yojana without stamp duty, notification of the 2041 Master Plan, amendments to the land pooling policy, and development as smart villages.
They also seek the repeal of sections 33 and 81 of Delhi Land Reforms Act 1954, which restrict construction on their land. “There are several flaws in this Act. It can even transfer a farmer’s land to the gram sabha if they build a single room on their field,” said Solanki, who also highlighted the deteriorating conditions in Delhi’s rural areas, such as poorly maintained roads, and the lack of basic infrastructure.
“Many villages do not even have proper sewage systems, and the roads are filled with potholes. Life has become unbearable for residents. Despite contributing significantly to the development of Delhi, our villages are treated worse than slums,” he said, setting a deadline of 15 days for Delhi govt to address their demands.
The mahapanchayat also focused on the plight of the migrant population residing in Delhi’s villages, who face increasing hardships due to the lack of employment op portunities.
