The Odisha government has issued a show-cause notice to the Odisha Association for the Blind, alleging violation of lease conditions in the use of a prime parcel of land in Kharvela Nagar, Bhubaneswar. The action follows a recent field inquiry by revenue authorities who found that a portion of the leasehold land is being used for commercial purposes.
Land Allotment and Current Usage
Officials said the land, measuring around 1.02 acres, was allotted in 1977 for setting up an office and allied institutional facilities for the association. As per the inquiry report, nearly 0.35 acres of the land has been utilised for running a Kalyan Mandap (banquet hall), while the remaining 0.67 acres continues to house a blind school, hostel, classrooms and training facilities.
Lease Violations and Legal Provisions
Officials pointed out that the lease agreement clearly bars the lessee from using the land for purposes other than those specified, without prior government approval. The alleged commercial use is seen as a violation of both the lease terms and provisions of the Odisha Government Land Settlement (Second Amendment) Rules, 2020, stated the official order.
In its notice issued on June 6, the General Administration and Public Grievance Department has asked the association general secretary to explain within 15 days why the land should not be taken back by the government. Authorities have warned that failure to submit a satisfactory reply within the stipulated period could lead to resumption of the land under relevant legal provisions, including the Odisha Government Land Settlement Act, 1962.
Background of the Issue
Last year, visually-challenged persons under the banner of the Odisha Association for the Blind demanded the closure of a banquet hall operating on the association's land in the city's Satya Nagar area. They held a demonstration in front of the local police station, demanding action against some people running the banquet hall-cum-Kalyan Mandap.
The government's action underscores its commitment to ensuring that leasehold land is used strictly for the purposes for which it was allotted. The association now has 15 days to respond to the notice, failing which the government may initiate proceedings to take back the land.
