Kutch Dalits gain land rights after 42-year wait

Virji Dafda will forever remember the date of October 26, 2024, since it marks the end of a wait that lasted more than forty years.

Dafda and other Dalits in Manfara, Bandhadi and Kalol villages in Kutch district’s Bhachau taluka were promised land rights back in 1982 — a promise that the state, and its various governments since then — failed to deliver.

The Kutch administration has now formally recognized the rights of Dafda and other Dalits over traditionally occupied land. The action follows interventions by Dalit legislators across political lines such as MLAs Jignesh Mevani (Congress) and Malti Maheshwari (BJP), and MP Vinod Chavda (BJP).

Traditionally occupied land refers to land that has been used, inhabited, or managed by a community over generations. These lands hold cultural, historical, and sometimes religious significance and are integral to the community’s way of life. Traditional land rights are based on customary laws rather than formal land titles and are usually recognized through a community’s long-standing connection to the land.

Mevani held a protest at the office of the Director-General of Police in Gandhinagar last week. Meanwhile, Chavda met with Kutch Collector Amit Arora, and asked that undisputed lands be handed over to the Dalit community.

According to Collector Arora, a survey of lands farmed by Dalits in Rapar and Bhuj talukas has been completed. The remaining lands in both talukas will soon be handed over to local councillors.

Courtesy : Gujarat Samachar

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