Bihar Launches ‘Operation Dakhal Dihani’ to Ensure Land Possession for SC/ST Beneficiaries

In a decisive move to address a long-standing grievance of land allottees, the Bihar government has launched ‘Operation Dakhal Dihani’, a special drive aimed at ensuring physical possession of allotted and settled land for Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) families across the state.

For years, reports from several districts of Bihar have highlighted that despite formal land allotment, beneficiaries were unable to take possession due to illegal occupation by influential individuals. Acknowledging the gravity of the issue, the Revenue and Land Reforms Department has now committed itself to providing 100 per cent possession (dakhal-dehani) of allotted land to eligible beneficiaries.

According to the state government, in rural areas, any forcible dispossession of SC/ST families from government land, surplus land, Bhoodan land or land purchased and allotted to them will now be treated as a serious and punishable offence. The government has made it clear that illegal occupation of such land will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

Revenue and Land Reforms Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha said that ensuring rightful possession of land for poor and marginalized families is among the top priorities of the double-engine government. “This initiative is not merely an administrative exercise, but a commitment to social justice and the fulfillment of our constitutional responsibility. No eligible family should be deprived of its allotted land,” he asserted.

The government has emphasized that strong constitutional and legal safeguards are in place to protect the interests of SC/ST communities. Article 46 of the Constitution mandates special protection for these sections, while Section 3(f) of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Act, 2015 classifies illegal occupation or dispossession of allotted land as a criminal offence.

Departmental Secretary Jai Singh stated that all cases related to land dispossession of SC/ST beneficiaries will be handled with priority, sensitivity and swift action. He added that the special campaign has been launched to ensure speedy justice and that the government is determined to achieve complete possession for all eligible land allottees.

With ‘Operation Dakhal Dihani’, the Bihar government has sent out a strong message that the rights of the poor, deprived and land-holding beneficiaries will be protected at all costs, and that any attempt to illegally कब्जा land meant for them will invite strict legal action.