The Punjab government has earned Rs. 221 crore from the auction of shamlat (common land) and undivided public properties in the state.
Rural development and panchayats minister Surjit Singh Rakhra said the state government had initiated a campaign against illegal possession of common
and undivided land in villages of Punjab.
Rakhra stated that by tightening the noose around illegal occupants and making the system more efficient, the state had got Rs. 13 crore more this year. He said the state government had fixed a target of Rs. 250 crore for the next year through the auction system.
Rakhra said all auctions of more than Rs. 1 lakh were made under videography to ensure transparency. He said the auction of land up to 25 acres was conducted in the presence of extension officers, and of areas above 25 acres in the presence of block development and panchayat officers (BDPOs).