On March 2, in Vadodara, the significant proposed increase of up to 300% in the Jantri—the annual listing of land rates—by the BJP government has sparked intense criticism from multiple sectors of society. Many are voicing concerns that this drastic hike will severely hinder the ability of ordinary citizens to afford homes within the state.
Specifically, this proposed change in Jantri rates is expected to force prospective buyers to shell out an additional Rs 40,000 to Rs 50,000 when purchasing residential properties.
Narendra Tiwari, the President of the Baroda Bar Association, has publicly condemned the move, asserting that the entire process of proposing such an extreme increase in the Jantri rates is not only unjustifiable but also illegal. He remarked, "It will be difficult for people to buy houses in the city, as the hike is unprecedented, even more than the prevalent market value of the land in the city."
The Jantri rate application in various cities and towns across Gujarat took effect from April 1, 1999, with a prior hike of approximately 55% recorded back in 2007.
A well-known hotelier and past president of the Baroda Land Developers’ Association, Dilip Mehta, expressed his strong disapproval, asserting that these new Jantri rates will have detrimental effects on construction activities and will face vigorous opposition.