Overview

• The Assam Cabinet cleared a new procedure that requires administrative review for land transfers between people of different religions.
• Applications start with the Circle Officer, move to the Deputy Commissioner, go to a Revenue Department nodal officer, then proceed to the Assam Police Special Branch for investigation.
• The Special Branch examines ownership validity, potential document forgery, the buyer’s source of funds, possible effects on local cohesion, and any national security concerns.
• The Deputy Commissioner makes the final decision to approve or reject the transaction after receiving the police report.
• The SOP exempts transfers between parties of the same religion and NGOs registered in Assam, while applying to NGOs from outside the state, which the CM linked to recent purchases in Barak Valley, Karimganj, and Barpeta.