The Gujarat government, under Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, has announced a significant administrative decision to regularize unauthorised possession of inami or granted lands. This move by the Revenue Department aims to simplify the process for individuals with irregular land claims to align their titles with the law. Land re-granted by the state, with pending possession fees, can now be easily regularized under the new guidelines.
Heirs in unauthorised possession, eligible for re-grant but awaiting it due to various reasons, can now complete the process under specified conditions. Additionally, individuals holding land transferred to a third party can also benefit from this decision. To regularize unauthorised possession, a payment equivalent to 20% of the official land value can be made, reducing procedural obstacles and providing a legal pathway for affected individuals.
An official from the Revenue Department highlighted that the framework is designed to aid landholders eligible for re-grant of inami lands who have not fulfilled formalities. The simplified payment structure aims to promote compliance and regularization. This decision, part of broader land record management improvements by the Gujarat government, follows consultations within the state administration.
Farmers’ groups representatives have praised the move, acknowledging the challenges faced by smallholders in navigating complex procedures and financial barriers to formalize land titles. While regularisation schemes can enhance legal clarity, experts emphasize the importance of transparent and statutory-compliant implementation to prevent potential disputes. Enforcement of the new guidelines is set to commence in the upcoming weeks, with detailed procedures to be disseminated to district revenue offices statewide.
