Delhi Land Reforms Act Controversy

January 10, 2025

The Delhi Land Reforms Act of 1954 has recently gained attention due to allegations made by former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. He claimed that Prime Minister Modi has not fulfilled his promise to repeal Sections 33 and 81 of the Act. These sections have implications for land use in rural Delhi, affecting many small farmers.

Overview of Sections 33 and 81

Section 33 prohibits the sale, gift, or transfer of agricultural land if it leaves the owner with less than eight acres. This rule aims to prevent the fragmentation of agricultural holdings.
Section 81 mandates the ejection of landowners using their land for purposes unrelated to agriculture, horticulture, or animal husbandry. Such land will be vested in the Gram Sabha, which manages local governance.

Implications for Landowners

These sections restrict landowners from using their property for residential or commercial purposes. Many landowners argue that these restrictions hinder their ability to sell or develop their land. They express frustration over the inability to utilise their land for personal emergencies, such as weddings or education costs. The restrictions have led to calls for the repeal of these sections.

Urbanisation of Delhi Villages

Delhi consists of 357 villages, with 308 declared urban. Once a village is designated as urban, it falls under the Delhi Municipal Act 1957 and the Delhi Development Act 1954, thus escaping the purview of the Delhi Land Reforms Act. This change has made many cases under Sections 33 and 81 redundant, as urbanised areas are not governed by these agricultural regulations.

Calls for Reform

Experts suggest that Section 81 should be modified. Instead of vesting land in the Gram Sabha, they propose imposing penalties on those misusing agricultural land. Additionally, they advocate for alternatives for farmers with small landholdings, as many are unable to sustain profitable farming. The government has been critiqued for its lack of support for these farmers.

Political Context and Blame Game

With the Delhi Assembly elections approaching, the political blame game has intensified. Both AAP and BJP are attempting to position themselves as champions of rural development. Kejriwal’s recent statements highlight the ongoing tension between the two parties, with each accusing the other of failing to address the concerns of rural landowners.

The Bhoodan movement aimed to promote land redistribution in India.
Gram Sabha refers to the village assembly in rural governance.
The Delhi Economic Survey tracks agricultural land use trends.
Section 81 includes provisions for pisciculture and poultry farming.
Urbanisation has decreased Delhi’s gross cropped area.

Future of Agricultural Land in Delhi

The future of agricultural land in Delhi remains uncertain. The increasing urbanisation poses challenges for traditional farming practices. The government’s failure to provide alternative solutions for small farmers continues to be a pressing issue. As political parties prepare for elections, the fate of Sections 33 and 81 hangs in the balance, with many landowners eagerly awaiting change.

« Previous Post Next Post »