Gujarat Assembly Approves Land Amendment Bill to Protect Farmers and Curb Illegal Conversions
The Gujarat Legislative Assembly, in a significant move on Tuesday, passed the Saurashtra Gharkhed, Tenancy Settlement and Agricultural Lands (Gujarat Amendment) Bill. This legislation is specifically designed to curb the illegal conversion of agricultural land across the state, addressing long-standing concerns over land misuse and farmer vulnerabilities.
Minister Highlights Key Objectives of the Amendment
While introducing the bill for discussion, Sanjaysinh Mahida, the Minister of State for Revenue, emphasized its critical importance. He stated that the amendment aims to protect the interests of farmers, bring much-needed legal clarity to land transactions, and effectively prevent illegal land conversions. This legislative step is seen as a proactive measure to strengthen land governance in Gujarat.
Addressing Legal Loopholes and Delays
Minister Mahida pointed out specific deficiencies in the existing law that necessitated this amendment. Under the current provisions, there is a lack of legal clarity regarding the restitution and vesting of illegally converted land as per Section 75 of the Act. Furthermore, the absence of a defined time limit for penalty payments under Section 75(A) has led to significant delays, preventing farmers from regaining possession of their land promptly.
"Thus, this amendment bill was introduced to bring clarity to the law, simplify the process, and ensure the proper protection of farmers' interests," the minister explained during the assembly session. The amendments are expected to streamline procedures and eliminate ambiguities that have historically hindered effective enforcement.
Enhancing Consistency and Administrative Efficiency
In addition to protecting farmers, the bill seeks to harmonize land laws within the state. Minister Mahida noted that the amendments will bring consistency with other land laws currently in force in Gujarat. This alignment is anticipated to enable a uniform application of the law and significantly increase administrative efficiency across various departments involved in land management.
The passage of this bill marks a pivotal development in Gujarat's agricultural and land policy framework, aiming to foster a more transparent and equitable system for land transactions and ownership.
