Delhi Land Reforms Act Controversy

The Delhi Land Reforms Act of 1954 has ignited political debate in 2025. Former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of failing to repeal contentious sections of the Act. The focus is primarily on Sections 33 and 81, which regulate the use and sale of agricultural land in Delhi. Kejriwal’s allegations come in the lead-up to the Delhi Assembly elections, intensifying scrutiny of land reform policies.

Overview of Sections 33 and 81

Section 33 restricts the sale, gift, or transfer of agricultural land if it leaves the owner with less than 8 acres. This provision aims to prevent the fragmentation of land into uneconomic sizes. The only exceptions are transfers to religious or charitable institutions and to individuals involved in the Bhoodan movement. Section 81 mandates that landowners can be ejected if they use their land for non-agricultural purposes. This includes any construction not related to agriculture or animal husbandry.

Impact on Landowners

These sections have been contentious for landowners in rural Delhi. Many argue that these restrictions hinder their ability to sell or develop their land. Landowners express frustration over being unable to sell portions of their land for personal emergencies, such as weddings or education. The inability to build on their own land without legal repercussions has led to widespread dissatisfaction among rural communities.

Urbanisation and Legal Implications

Delhi has seen substantial urbanisation, with 308 out of 357 villages declared urban. Once a village is classified as urban, it falls under different regulations, such as the Delhi Municipal Act 1957 and the Delhi Development Act 1954. This shift renders many cases under the Delhi Land Reforms Act irrelevant, as they no longer apply to urbanised areas. Legal experts suggest that Section 81 should be revised to impose penalties on actual misuse of agricultural land rather than penalising all landowners indiscriminately.

Political Context and Blame Game

The timing of Kejriwal’s remarks coincides with upcoming Delhi Assembly elections. Both the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are leveraging the land reform issue to critique each other’s governance. AAP is pressing for the repeal of Sections 33 and 81, while the BJP had previously included promises to amend these sections in its electoral manifesto. The political rivalry has intensified as both parties seek to position themselves as champions of rural development.

Declining Agricultural Activity

The gross cropped area in Delhi has decreased from 35,178 hectares in 2012-13 to 33,069 hectares in 2023-24. This decline reflects broader challenges in maintaining viable agricultural practices in the face of urban expansion. Experts argue that the government must provide better alternatives for farmers to sustain their livelihoods in an increasingly urbanised environment.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Examine the implications of the Delhi Land Reforms Act of 1954 on agricultural productivity in urbanising regions.
2. Critically discuss the role of political parties in shaping land reform policies in urban areas.
3. Estimate the impact of urbanisation on traditional agricultural practices in Delhi.
4. Point out the challenges faced by landowners under the Delhi Land Reforms Act and suggest possible reforms.

Answer Hints:

1. Examine the implications of the Delhi Land Reforms Act of 1954 on agricultural productivity in urbanising regions.

1. Sections 33 and 81 restrict land use, limiting farmers’ ability to diversify or develop their land.
2. Urbanisation has led to a decrease in the gross cropped area, impacting overall agricultural output.
3. Fragmentation of land holdings due to these sections makes farming economically unviable.
4. Legal constraints discourage investment in agricultural improvements and modernization.
5. The shift of villages to urban status means many lands are no longer governed by the Act, complicating land management.

2. Critically discuss the role of political parties in shaping land reform policies in urban areas.

1. Political parties leverage land reform issues to gain votes, especially during election cycles.
2. AAP and BJP have conflicting positions on the repeal of Sections 33 and 81, reflecting their electoral strategies.
3. Parties often promise land reforms in manifestos but may lack follow-through after elections.
4. Political discourse influences public perception of land reforms and agricultural policies.
5. Coalition politics can complicate the implementation of coherent land reform measures.

3. Estimate the impact of urbanisation on traditional agricultural practices in Delhi.

1. Urbanisation has led to reduction in available agricultural land, impacting farming viability.
2. Traditional practices are replaced by urban development, reducing the workforce engaged in agriculture.
3. Farmers face increased pressure to sell land for development, disrupting generational farming practices.
4. Urban demands shift focus from traditional crops to more profitable ventures, altering local agricultural dynamics.
5. Government policies often neglect the needs of farmers in urbanised areas, exacerbating agricultural decline.

4. Point out the challenges faced by landowners under the Delhi Land Reforms Act and suggest possible reforms.

1. Landowners are restricted from selling or using their land for non-agricultural purposes, limiting financial flexibility.
2. Legal repercussions for minor modifications (e.g., building walls) create a climate of fear and frustration.
3. Fragmentation of land holdings makes farming less profitable and sustainable.
4. Proposed reforms could include revising Section 81 to penalize actual misuse rather than blanket restrictions.
5. Introducing a land exchange or compensation scheme could provide alternatives for small farmers.