Uttarakhand Clears Stringent Law Restricting Sale of Agricultural Land

In a significant move to safeguard local interests, the Uttarakhand state assembly passed amendments to its land laws on February 22, 2025, effectively banning the sale of agricultural and horticultural land to outsiders across most of the state.

Purpose of the New Law

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami emphasized the importance of the law, explaining that it was necessary to protect the cultural heritage of Devbhoomi, ensuring a balance between environmental and economic factors while also safeguarding the rights of local residents.

Key Provisions of the New Legislation

The new law, formally called the Uttarakhand (Uttar Pradesh Zamindari Abolition and Land Reforms Act, 1950) (Amendment) Act, 2025, introduces several key changes:

• Non-residents can purchase only 250 square meters of residential land.
• A one-purchase-per-family restriction is implemented.
• Buyers are required to submit affidavits confirming their compliance with the new rules.

Opposition and Passing of the Bill

Opposition leader Yashpal Arya and other Congress MLAs demanded that the bill be referred to a select committee for further review. However, Chief Minister Dhami assured that all concerns raised would be addressed, leading to the bill's passage in the assembly.

Shift from 2018 Policy

The new law marks a dramatic shift from the 2018 policy, which had allowed unrestricted land purchases by outsiders. Under the new regulations:

• Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar districts are exempt from the restrictions but require state government approval for land purchases instead of district-level authorization.

Historical Context and Changes Over Time

The state's approach to land ownership has evolved over the years. Under Chief Minister ND Tiwari (2003), outsiders were allowed to purchase up to 500 square metres of land. This limit was reduced to 250 square metres in 2007 during B.C. Khanduri's administration. In 2018, Trivendra Singh Rawat's government allowed unlimited purchases by outsiders, including agricultural land for industrial development.

New Monitoring and Reporting Measures

The new legislation establishes a monitoring portal to track land purchases by non-residents and mandates regular reporting from District Magistrates to the State Revenue Council. If the law is violated, the land will be vested with the government, as per Chief Minister Dhami.

Committee Recommendations and Law Drafting

The government’s decision follows the formation of a five-member committee in December 2021 to review existing land laws. The committee submitted 23 recommendations, which were thoroughly examined by a drafting committee headed by Radha Raturi, the then-additional chief secretary, in December 2023.

Conclusion

This new legislation represents a pivotal change in the state’s land ownership policies. The primary aim is to prevent outsiders from acquiring agricultural and horticultural land, ensuring that local interests are prioritized and maintained in Uttarakhand.