16. Allotment of excess land.-

Subject to any rules that may be made in this behalf, the Chief Commissioner or any officer authorised by him may allot any excess land vesting in the Government (other than land reserved under section 15) 1[to such persons (preference being given to landless agricultural labourers particularly those belonging to the Scheduled Castes or the Scheduled Tribes)] and on such terms and conditions as he thinks fit.