The West Bengal Assembly has given its nod to the Land Reforms (Amendment) Bill, 2013. This significant amendment will restrict the utilization of land, specifically earmarked for township development, that surpasses the designated ceiling for real estate activities.
The legislative bill secured passage in the assembly, albeit in the absence of the opposition Left Front and Congress parties, following their decision to stage a walkout.
Key Provisions of the Amendment
Minister of State for Land and Land Reforms Department, Swapan Debnath, while introducing the Land Reforms bill in the House, highlighted that the modification of Section 14Z of the Act would eliminate the clause allowing the retention of land beyond the stipulated limit for township development.
The minister pointed fingers at the previous Left Front administration for enabling the utilization of surplus land holdings to construct real estate projects across the state. Debnath described this practice as detrimental to the impoverished sections of society. The minister said that during the erstwhile Left Front regime, holding of land in excess was used in the state for constructing buildings, which was detrimental to the poor.
Emphasis on Rural Development
With the implementation of this amendment, any surplus land can now be redirected towards productive purposes. Some uses could be:
- Poultry farming.
- Dairy farming.
- Various agricultural activities.
These changes would aim at benefiting the rural populace and stimulating the rural economy.
The lone SUCI member in the House, while extending wholehearted support to the legislation, commended the initiative of the state government to curb the misuse of surplus land.
Amendment of Section 50
To ensure a much more scientifically authenticated system of 'Records of Rights', Section 50 of the Act also witnesses an amendment, enabling integration of digital signature in agreement and aligning it with Section 3 of the Information Technology Act, 2000.