The long-standing issue of opacity in land transactions within the state is set to be addressed as the Rajasthan government prepares to launch the Guaranteed Land Title Act. This significant legislative move will initially be implemented in 11 cities, with Jaipur, the state capital, chosen as the site for a pilot project.
Currently, the law department is finalizing the bill's draft, which is anticipated to be cleared shortly. Once approved, an Ordinance will be issued within this month, strategically timed to sidestep the upcoming code of conduct that will take effect next month.
This initiative for granting land titles aligns with the broader reforms mandated under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM). Furthermore, it reflects a commitment made in the budget address by Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje.
An official elaborated, “Historically, most real estate transactions have been executed on leasehold lands due to the absence of a freehold land concept. As a result, parties received a lease from the government allowing them to construct their property, yet the land title remained with the government even if the property was sold.”
Property owners had limited means to substantiate their claims, relying on either their name being recorded on the property tax receipts or through sale deeds. The introduction of the Act will enable a process whereby land titles can be transferred to new buyers, thereby granting them absolute ownership rights.
Initially, existing land allottees will have the option to apply for the guaranteed land title, but the requirement will become mandatory for all future developments. Applicable to properties overseen by the Jaipur Development Authority (JDA), the Jaipur Municipal Corporation (JMC), and the Rajasthan State Industrial Development and Investment Corporation Limited, the Act is set to reshape property ownership.
The JDA will also assure land titles when properties change hands. In cases of disputes where a buyer may be misled by a seller, the JDA is committed to fully compensating the buyer. While initial titles will be provisional, permanent titles will be granted after a two-year period.
The official further noted, “In regions like Delhi, the uptake for guaranteed land title certification began sluggishly. However, as the benefits became evident, demand surged, leading many to prefer plots that include title guarantees. We are optimistic that a similar trend will emerge here. That said, property owners seeking JDA certification will still incur a fee, and numerous administrative tasks are required prior to certification issuance.”