Understanding the Digha Amendment Bill 2025
The Bihar government’s effort to resolve decades of legal ambiguity has reached a pivotal stage with the proposed Digha Acquired Land Settlement (Amendment) Bill-2025. This bill targets 400 acres west of Ashiana-Digha Road in Patna’s Rajeev Nagar, where thousands of homes were built decades ago without formal recognition. This move mirrors the successful regularisation efforts on the eastern side, which is home to over 10,000 properties.
Historical Context: A 50-Year Dispute
The roots of this issue trace back to 1974 when the Bihar State Housing Board (BSHB) acquired 1,024.52 acres for a housing colony. Compensation disputes erupted when farmers accused authorities of failing to deliver promised payments of ₹2,200 per 1,360 square feet (then equivalent). This led to decades of unauthorised construction and legal battles over ownership.
Challenges Addressed by the Bill
- Compensation Dilemma: Previous proposals to relocate western residents into new townships proved unviable.
- Ownership Confusion: Private sales of land by original stakeholders created overlapping ownership claims.
- Legislative Exclusion: The 2010 Digha Acquired Land Settlement Act explicitly omitted western properties.
Key Features of the Regularisation Process
- Payment of Minimum Value Register (MVR): Homeowners must pay 10% of the current MVR to secure legal title.
- Freehold Conversion Option: Residents can opt to convert leased land to freehold status by paying additional fees to the Housing Board.
- Unified Governance: The amended law will oversee 1,024.52 acres across both sides of Ashiana-Digha Road.
Expected Impact
Approximately 5,000 Western families will benefit from reduced uncertainty. Srinath Singh of the Digha Krishi Bhoomi-Awas Bachao Sangharsh Samiti praised the bill as a fair resolution after years of advocacy. This development reflects Bihar’s broader strategy to clarify the rights of slum dwellers and streamline urban property laws.
What Comes Next
The bill awaits legislative approval. Once approved, residents can start applications. Authorities estimate processing will prioritise verifiable ownership claims. The success of this model could prompt similar reforms in other contested urban zones across Bihar.