Uttarakhand’s New Land Law

The Uttarakhand government has recently approved a new land law aimed at restricting land purchases by non-residents. This move comes in response to growing concerns about the preservation of the state’s agricultural resources and cultural identity. The law will be tabled in the ongoing assembly budget session, which ends on February 24, 2025.

About the Law

The new law replaces the provisions established by the previous Trivendra Rawat government in 2018. It reflects the state government’s commitment to safeguarding local interests. The law is a response to demands from residents who seek to protect their land from external buyers.

Key Provisions

The law prohibits individuals from outside Uttarakhand from purchasing agricultural and horticultural land in 11 out of 13 districts. Only Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar are exempt. This restriction aims to maintain the integrity of local farming and horticulture.

Land Management and Oversight

The law mandates the creation of a digital portal for tracking land purchases. This portal will monitor all transactions involving non-residents. Furthermore, district magistrates will no longer have the authority to approve land sales, ensuring a more centralised control over land management.

Affidavit Requirement and Reporting

Individuals from outside the state must submit an affidavit when purchasing land. This adds an additional layer of scrutiny to land transactions. All district magistrates are required to report land purchases to the Revenue Council and the government regularly.

Restrictions on Land Use

Within municipal boundaries, land usage will be strictly designated for specific purposes. Any land used contrary to these regulations will revert to government ownership. This provision aims to prevent misuse of land and ensure compliance with local development plans.

Government’s Rationale

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has emphasised that the law is designed to protect the state’s culture and identity. The government believes that these measures will help maintain local resources and prevent external exploitation.

Public Sentiment and Future Implications

The law has received support from local communities who view it as a protective measure. However, it may also lead to discussions about balancing economic development with the preservation of local interests. The government is expected to continue monitoring the law’s impact on land use and local economies.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Examine the impact of land use regulations on local economies in India.
2. Discuss in the light of recent land reforms how they affect agricultural sustainability.
3. What are the challenges faced by state governments in protecting local resources? Critically discuss.
4. Taking examples of land laws in other states, analyse the effectiveness of restrictions on land purchases by outsiders.

Answer Hints:

1. Examine the impact of land use regulations on local economies in India.

1. Land use regulations can stabilize local markets by preventing speculative buying and ensuring fair pricing for local farmers.
2. They can enhance agricultural productivity by promoting sustainable practices and protecting arable land from urban sprawl.
3. Regulations can create employment opportunities in local agriculture and allied sectors by supporting smallholder farmers.
4. However, overly stringent regulations may deter investment and limit economic diversification in rural areas.
5. Local economies may also benefit from increased community engagement and empowerment in land management decisions.

2. Discuss in the light of recent land reforms how they affect agricultural sustainability.

1. Recent land reforms aim to protect agricultural land from conversion to non-agricultural uses, promoting sustainability.
2. By restricting external ownership, reforms help maintain local farming traditions and biodiversity.
3. They encourage investment in sustainable farming practices by ensuring land remains in the hands of local farmers.
4. Reforms can also improve food security by ensuring that agricultural land is used primarily for food production.
5. However, the effectiveness of these reforms depends on proper implementation and support for farmers.

3. What are the challenges faced by state governments in protecting local resources? Critically discuss.

1. State governments often face resistance from external investors seeking to exploit local resources for profit.
2. Balancing economic development with environmental protection poses challenge for policymakers.
3. Lack of adequate enforcement mechanisms can undermine the effectiveness of resource protection laws.
4. Corruption and bureaucratic inefficiencies may lead to mismanagement of local resources.
5. Public awareness and community engagement are crucial but can be lacking, complicating protection efforts.

4. Taking examples of land laws in other states, analyse the effectiveness of restrictions on land purchases by outsiders.

1. In Himachal Pradesh, restrictions on land purchases by non-residents have successfully preserved agricultural land and local culture.
2. Similarly, the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code limits non-agriculturists from purchasing agricultural land, promoting local farming sustainability.
3. However, states like Punjab have struggled with enforcement, leading to loopholes that allow external purchases despite restrictions.
4. Effective restrictions often require strong regulatory frameworks and community support to succeed.
5. Comparative analysis shows that while restrictions can be effective, they must be accompanied by supportive policies for local farmers.