Archive · 1 Oct 2026
Himachal Minister Seeks Tribal Land Rights to Curb Migration
Jagat Singh Negi said people in Himachal Pradesh’s tribal areas need access to land.
He said land could help families grow crops, practice horticulture, and earn money.
This could also help young people stay in their communities instead of moving away.
Jobs in these areas are limited, while competition for government jobs is increasing.
The government wants eligible families to receive some barren government forest land under the Nautor policy.
However, permission and legal changes needed for this plan have been pending for nearly three years.
Residents are organizing an Adhikar Yatra to demand action.
The march will travel from Kinnaur toward villages in Spiti and Lahaul.
Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi said land access is essential to reduce migration from Himachal Pradesh’s tribal areas.
He urged approval of Nautor forest land allotments for eligible landless residents and families.
The government has sought permission to amend tribal-area land laws, but the matter has reportedly remained pending for nearly three years.
Negi said horticulture and other local economic activities could provide opportunities for youth facing limited employment prospects.
An Adhikar Yatra from Kinnaur toward Spiti and Lahaul is raising awareness and could eventually lead to a Raj Bhavan gherao.
- Who
- Himachal Pradesh Tribal Development and Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, tribal-area residents, and the state government.
- What
- A call to approve Nautor forest land allotments and related legal changes to support economic activity and reduce migration.
- When
- The statement was reported on Thursday, October 1; the government’s request has reportedly been pending for nearly three years.
- Where
- Himachal Pradesh’s tribal and border areas, including Kinnaur, Spiti, and Lahaul.
- Why
- To create opportunities in horticulture and other local activities, economically empower youth, and curb migration.
- Policy
- The Nautor policy allows eligible families to receive up to 20 bighas of land.
- Land type
- Nautor land is barren government land allotted to landless individuals for cultivation under specific rules.
- Legal restriction
- Himachal land reform laws prohibit non-agriculturists from acquiring land.
- Pending request
- The state government has sought permission for amendments governing tribal areas, with the matter pending for nearly three years.
- Forest law
- The government requested an exemption from the Forest Conservation Act, 1980, for Nautor allotments in tribal areas.
- Public action
- The Adhikar Yatra is beginning in Kinnaur and is planned to reach high-altitude villages in Spiti and Lahaul.
- Previous exemptions
- Negi said similar Forest Conservation Act exemptions were granted in 2014, 2016, and 2018.