Dhenkanal: Protesting hike in benchmark valuation of land, the district bar association supported by civic body today shut down the sub-registrar office after ransacking it. They also staged demonstration infront of the office after locking up the main gate.
The advocates alleged that the district administration took such decision arbitrarily without consulting the members of district valuation committee. “We get a notice from the district administration in March regarding the hike. We had not been consulted regarding the issue. The administration made the hike after a gap of six years. Meeting regarding valuation should be convened by the administration every two years. It has not done for last six years”, member of district valuation committee said.
The administration has not even published the notice in media for public information. “We had written to the Collector in March to reconsider the issue, but to no avail. Our strike will continue till our demands are met”, said another member.
He added PSUs and private companies have acquired lands in the district at the old rate. Why common people would pay the increased price, he asked.
The enhanced price of land valuation came into effect since April 1. It would adversely affect the common buyers, the agitators said.
Similar agitation was also carried out in Kamakhya Nagar. The lawyers have not attended the office today and staged demonstration in front of the office.