Uttarakhand Tightens Land Laws with New Amendment

The Uttarakhand Assembly has passed an amendment bill to the Uttar Pradesh Zamindari Abolition and Land Reforms Act, 1950, aiming to establish stricter land purchase regulations in the state. This move is intended to curtail land grabbing by distinguishing genuine investors from the land mafia and addressing concerns over agricultural land shrinkage.

A crucial amendment bill to the Uttar Pradesh Zamindari Abolition and Land Reforms Act, 1950, was approved by the Uttarakhand Assembly on Friday. The bill, passed by voice vote, aims to impose stricter land purchase regulations in the state, offering a powerful framework against unlawful land acquisitions.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, who proposed the bill, stated that the legislation would curb the activities of land mafias while safeguarding the interests of genuine investors. The move comes in response to widespread violations of land purchase rules, often resulting in the misuse of land intended for local empowerment and employment.

The opposition, led by Yashpal Arya, raised concerns over certain provisions within the bill, calling for further scrutiny. Despite calls to refer it to a select committee, the bill was passed after Dhami assured that it was crafted with extensive stakeholder consultation and remains open to future amendments to ensure effective implementation.