The Gujarat Legislative Assembly has approved a Bill that amends Sections 75 and 75(A) of the Saurashtra Gharkhed, Tenancy Settlement, and Agricultural Lands Ordinance of 1949. The amendments aim to bring clarity to land transactions and prevent illegal transfers of agricultural land. Revenue Minister Sanjaysinh Mahida introduced the Bill during the Budget session, highlighting its importance in safeguarding the interests of the state’s farmers.
The amendments address the lack of a clear procedure for dealing with illegally transferred land under the existing law. If a land transfer is deemed illegal, the Collector can now direct the seller to return the land to the original account holder within three months. Failure to comply will result in the government taking over the land, treating it as government property.
Furthermore, the amendments stipulate that if agricultural land is transferred to a non-farmer individual or institution, a penalty of three times the current market value of the land must be paid within one month. The land must then be returned to the original farmer account holder. These measures are designed to curb illegal land transactions and protect the rights of farmers effectively.
The amendments aim to establish consistency with other land laws in Gujarat, ensuring administrative efficiency and legal clarity. By enforcing uniformity across land laws in the state, the government anticipates a reduction in legal disputes and the opportunity to repurpose illegally transferred land for public projects like schools, hospitals, and roads.
