ನಮ್ಮ FORESIGHT ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು

Forum for KAS/Group B&C

Land reforms in Karnataka for competitive exams-CTI/PSI/KAS

List of the topics covered

1. Historical Background
2. Land Revenue System
3. Land Ceiling Acts
4. Tenancy Reforms
5. Land Redistribution
6. Agricultural Labourers
7. Socio-economic & political Impacts
8. Land Records and Administration
9. Previous year questions

Prepared by :

Meherunnissa Begum KAS, (Commercial Tax Officer)

Devendrappa Waggar KAS, (Commercial Tax Officer)
Tousif Pasha, Ex-NAARM (Ministry of Agriculture) & Startup-founder
Foresightskas.com/- 9380164042
 ನಮ್ಮ FORESIGHT ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು
Forum for KAS/Group B&C
1. Historical Background

• The historical background of land reforms in Karnataka, can be traced back to the pre-
independence period. Here's an overview
• Pre-Independence Land Ownership Patterns: Before independence, the landownership
structure in Karnataka was characterized by significant disparities. A large portion of
agricultural land was concentrated in the hands of a few wealthy landlords, while the
majority of the rural population, including tenant farmers and agricultural laborers, had
limited or no access to land.

• Colonial Influence: The British colonial administration in India had introduced various land
revenue systems that often favored the interests of landlords and revenue collection over
the welfare of peasants. This exacerbated land inequality and tenant exploitation.
• Mysore State Land Revenue Code: In the princely state of Mysore (which later became part
of Karnataka), the Mysore State Land Revenue Code of 1888 had a significant impact on
landownership and revenue collection. It laid the foundation for land revenue policies in the
region.
• Freedom Struggle and Agrarian Movements: The freedom struggle and various agrarian
movements in Karnataka and across India highlighted the need for land reforms.
Leaders like B. R. Ambedkar, Vinoba Bhave, Devraj urs and other advocated the land
redistribution to the landless farmers.

Land Revenue Policy of British in India

Permanent Settlement (1793)

• It was introduced in Bengal and Bihar in 1793 by Lord Cornwallis and was planned by John
Shore. It was later extended to Orissa, the Northern Districts of Madras, and the District of
Varanasi.
• The zamindars, who were earlier only tax collectors without any proprietary rights prior to
1793, were now made the owners of the land.

Ryotwari Settlement (1820)

• It was introduced by Alexander Reed and Thomas Munro in parts of the Madras and
Bombay Presidencies.
• It was a modified version of the Zamindari settlement, introduced in the Gangetic Valley,
the North-West Provinces, some parts of Central India, and the Punjab. The revenue policy
was conceptualised by Holt Mackenzie in 1819 and introduced by the British in 1822

Mahalwari System (1822)

• It was a modified version of the Zamindari settlement, introduced in the Gangetic Valley,
the North-West Provinces, some parts of Central India, and the Punjab. The revenue policy
was conceptualised by Holt Mackenzie in 1819 and introduced by the British in 1822.
 ನಮ್ಮ FORESIGHT ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು
Forum for KAS/Group B&C
• This land revenue settlement was to be made village by village or estate (mahal) by the
estate with landlords or heads of families who collectively claimed to be the landlords of the
village or the estate.

Post Independence reforms:

• After gaining independence in 1947, India's leadership recognized the importance of land
reforms as a key component of social justice and rural development. The Indian Constitution
included provisions for land reforms in its Directive Principles of State Policy.

• A committee, under the Chairmanship of J. C. Kumarappan was appointed to look into the
problem of land. The Kumarappa Committee's report recommended comprehensive
agrarian reform measures.
• Karnataka Land Reforms Act, 1961: In Karnataka, the Land Reforms Act of 1961 was a
landmark legislation aimed at abolishing intermediaries, placing ceilings on landholdings,
protecting tenant rights, and distributing land to the landless and marginalized communities.
This act played a crucial role in reshaping landownership in the state.
• Amendments and Challenges: Over the years, the Karnataka Land Reforms Act underwent
several amendments to address various challenges and issues in its implementation. Political
and legal debates often surrounded these amendments.

2. Land Revenue System

• The land revenue system in Karnataka has evolved over time, with various policies and
changes aimed at collecting revenue from agricultural land.
Here are some details about the land revenue system in Karnataka

• The historical roots of Karnataka's land revenue system can be traced back to the pre-
independence period when princely states like Mysore had their own revenue codes. After
independence, these systems were integrated into the broader Indian revenue system.

• Land Revenue Classification: Land in Karnataka is typically classified into different

categories based on its agricultural potential and productivity. These categories include dry
land, irrigated land, and wetland.

• Assessment and Collection: Land revenue is assessed and collected by the state
government's revenue department. The assessment is often based on factors such as soil
fertility, crop potential, and irrigation facilities available to the land.

• Land Records: The state maintains detailed land records, often known as "Record of Rights,
Tenancy, and Crop" (RTC) records. These records contain information about landownership,
land use, tenancy, and crop details.
• Land Revenue Payment: Landowners are required to pay land revenue to the government
based on the assessment of their land. The payment is typically made annually, and failure
to pay may result in penalties or legal actions.
 ನಮ್ಮ FORESIGHT ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು
Forum for KAS/Group B&C
• Ceiling on Land Holdings: The Karnataka Land Reforms Act, 1961, introduced land ceilings
to limit the maximum extent of land that an individual or family could own. Excess land
beyond the prescribed ceiling was meant to be redistributed to landless farmers or
marginalized communities.

• Computerization and Modernization:* In recent years, Karnataka has undertaken efforts to

computerize land records and make the system more transparent and efficient. This has
included initiatives like the Bhoomi project, which digitized land records and reduced the
scope for corruption and disputes.

• Rental Tenancy: The state also regulates rental tenancy in agricultural land to protect the
rights of tenants. Tenants often pay a share of the crop or fixed rent to the landowner.

• Revenue Reforms: Over the years, Karnataka has made amendments and reforms to its
land revenue system to address contemporary issues, improve agricultural practices, and
ensure social justice.

• Land Revenue Policy and Rates: The government periodically reviews and revises land
revenue rates and policies to reflect changes in land values, agricultural practices, and
economic conditions.

3. Land Ceiling Acts

• Land Ceiling Acts in Karnataka, were introduced to address the issue of
excessive landholding by a few landowners and to promote land redistribution.

• The Land Ceiling Acts in Karnataka were primarily introduced to limit the
maximum extent of agricultural land that an individual or a family could own.
This was aimed at breaking the concentration of land in the hands of a few and
redistributing surplus land to landless and marginalized farmers.

• The primary legislation that introduced land ceilings in Karnataka is the

Karnataka Land Reforms Act, 1961. This comprehensive act aimed to bring
about significant changes in landownership and agricultural practices in the
state.
• The Karnataka Land Reforms Act, 1961, initially set land ceiling limits based on
the type of land. These limits varied for irrigated land, dry land, and wetland.
The Act specified the maximum extent of land that an individual or family could
hold within these categories.
• The Act also included provisions for exempting certain categories of
landowners, such as farmers who were disabled or had served in the armed
forces.
 ನಮ್ಮ FORESIGHT ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು
Forum for KAS/Group B&C
• Penalties for Violation: Landowners found holding land beyond the prescribed
ceiling limits were subject to penalties, including the potential confiscation of
excess land by the government.

• Land Redistribution: The surplus land collected through the enforcement of

land ceilings was meant to be redistributed to landless farmers and
marginalized communities. This was aimed at promoting social justice and
reducing land inequality.

• Amendments and Revisions: Over the years, the Karnataka Land Reforms Act
has undergone several amendments and revisions to address various challenges
and issues. Some amendments have modified the land ceiling limits and
exemptions.

• The implementation of land ceiling laws has often faced challenges and
controversies. Landowners have sometimes found ways to circumvent the
limits, and there have been legal disputes surrounding the classification of land.

• The Land Ceiling Acts in Karnataka have had a significant impact on

landownership patterns, particularly in rural areas. They have led to the
redistribution of land to landless and marginalized communities and have
aimed to provide opportunities for agricultural development among small and
marginal farmers.

4. Tenancy reforms

After passing the Zamindari Abolition Acts, the next major problem was of tenancy regulation.
Tenancy reforms aim to regulation of rent, provide security of tenure and conferring ownership to
tenants. The tenancy reforms laws provide the provisions for registration of tenants, or giving
ownership rights to the former tenants to bring them directly under the state.

• Regulation of Rent: The rent paid by the tenants during the pre-independence period
was exorbitant. It was anything between the 35 and 75 percent of gross produce
throughout India. With the enactment of legislation for regulating the rent payable by
the cultivators in the early 1950s, fair rent was fixed at 20 to 25 percent of the gross
produce.
• Security of tenure: Providing security of tenure was the second important reforms
brought about during the first three five-year plans via tenancy acts.
• Conferment of ownership rights to tenants: a tenancy regulation policy was
announced. As per this policy, large landowners were allowed to evict their tenants
 ನಮ್ಮ FORESIGHT ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು
Forum for KAS/Group B&C
and to bring the land under personal cultivation up to a ceiling limit to be prescribed
by each state. At that time, the term “personal cultivation” was defined as cultivation
by the owner of the land and other members of his family.

• The owners of land not exceeding a family holding were defined as small owners. Land
belonging to small and middle owners was divided into two categories viz. land under
personal cultivation, and land leased to tenants at will. If the land posses was below a
ceiling restriction, tenants of such land owners were given limited protection, provided
that it should be renewed for five to ten years and should be renewable, and that the
maximum rent payable should not exceed 20 to 25 percent of the gross produce.

• In second five year plan, the definition of “personal cultivation” was amended with
three elements viz. risk of cultivation, personal supervision, and personal labor. This
further narrowed down to define who was eligible for the ownership rights on land.
• In the third five year plan, the final goal was fixed to confer rights of ownership to as
many tenants as possible.
• The policy suggested that the states should study the problem and determine the
suitable action in light of prevailing conditions. In the fourth plan, the tenancies were
suggested to be declared non-resumable and permanent except in the case of
landowners working in defence services or with any disability.” Thus, the lands where
cultivators, agricultural labourers, and artisans had constructed their houses, was now
to be their own land.

5. Land Redistribution
• Since its independence in 1947, there has been voluntary and state-
initiated/mediated land reforms in several states with dual objective of
efficient use of land and ensuring social justice.
• The most notable and successful example of land reforms are in the states
of West Bengal and Kerala. Other than these state-sponsored attempts of
reforming land ownership and control,
• there was another attempt to bring changes in the regime which achieved
limited success; famously known as Bhoodan movement
• The Bhoodan movement (Land Gift movement), also known as the Bloodless
Revolution, was a voluntary land reform movement in India.
• It was initiated by Gandhian Vinoba Bhave in 1951 at Pochampally
village, Pochampally in Nalgonda district, Andhra Pradesh
• V. Ramachandra Reddy initially offered a donation of 100 acres (40 ha) of his
3,500 acres (14 km2) land. Later, he donated an additional 800 acres (3.2 km2)
• Soon United Front came into power in West Bengal on 1967 the Communist Party of
India (Marxist) leader Hare Krishna Konar and Benoy Choudhury started the India's
first land reform on 1967 this was enacted upto the united front loss its power on 1971
 ನಮ್ಮ FORESIGHT ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು
Forum for KAS/Group B&C
and after 6 years in 1977, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) kept their
word and initiated gradual land reforms, such as Operation Barga.
• Operation Barga: The ultimate aim of these land reforms was to facilitate the
conversion of the state's bargadars into landowners, in line with the Directive
Principles of State Policy of the Indian Constitution.
• Operation Barga was a land reform movement, throughout rural West Bengal for
recording the names of sharecroppers (bargadars) while avoiding the time-consuming
method of recording through the settlement machinery.

land distribution in Karnataka

• The B.D. Jatti Committee, officially known as the "Karnataka Land Reforms
Committee," was established to review and make recommendations for
improving the land reforms process in Karnataka. The committee submitted its
report in 1955, and its recommendations aimed to address various challenges
related to land distribution, tenancy, and landlessness.
• The B.D. Jatti Committee of 1955 recommended that 116 acres dry land and 27
acres irrigated land should be allocated to each landless family. The
committees's recommendations were implemented in 1957.
• Several leaders and social activists in Karnataka played pivotal roles in initiating
and leading land reform movements. These movements aimed to address issues
of land inequality, landlessness, and tenant exploitation.

Some prominent leaders associated with land reform movements in Karnataka include:

• S. Nijalingappa: He was a prominent political leader in Karnataka and served as

the Chief Minister of the state. In 1963, Nijalingappa as Chief Minister, decided
to establish UAS(University of Agricultural sciences) along the lines of Land
Grant College system of USA and passed the University of Agricultural Sciences
Bill (Act No. 22). He granted 1300 acres to Gandhi Krishi Vignana Kendra
Campus.
• Devaraj Urs, another Chief Minister of Karnataka, made substantial
contributions to land reforms during his tenure in the 1970s. He introduced
progressive policies to protect the rights of tenant farmers and implemented
measures to redistribute land to the landless.
• The land reforms spearheaded by him, in which the “tiller of the land” became
the owner, was exemplary. It reduced the chasm between the rich and the
poor, doing away with social inequality. (famous slogan given by him)

These leaders and activists, among others, contributed significantly to the land
reform movements in Karnataka. Their efforts were instrumental in shaping
land reform policies and legislation aimed at reducing land inequality and
improving the living conditions of rural communities in the state
 ನಮ್ಮ FORESIGHT ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು
Forum for KAS/Group B&C

• After independence, Karnataka witnessed several movements and initiatives

aimed at implementing and advocating for land reforms. These movements
sought to address issues such as land concentration, tenant exploitation, and
landlessness. Here are some notable movements for land reforms in Karnataka
after independence:
• 1950s - Bhoomi Ugraha Movement: The Bhoomi Ugraha Movement, led by
prominent leaders like K. Hanumanthaiah and S. Nijalingappa, was
instrumental in building public awareness about the need for land reforms in
Karnataka. This movement laid the foundation for subsequent land reform
efforts.

• 1960s - Karnataka Land Reforms Act, 1961: The most significant land reform
initiative in Karnataka after independence was the passage of the Karnataka
Land Reforms Act in 1961.(2ndOct 1965 brought into force) This comprehensive
legislation aimed to abolish intermediaries, place ceilings on landholdings,
protect tenant rights, and distribute surplus land to landless farmers.

• 1970s - Devaraj Urs Government: During the tenure of Chief Minister Devaraj
Urs in the 1970s, Karnataka saw a series of land reforms. His government
initiated measures to protect tenant farmers, improve land distribution, and
reduce land concentration.
• 1980s - Farmers' Movements: Various farmers' organizations, including the
Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha (KRRS), led by leaders like M. D.
Nanjundaswamy, played an active role in advocating for land reforms. They
organized protests and agitations to press for land redistribution and fair
compensation for agricultural labor.

• 1990s - Grameena Hitharakshana Vedike: This rural welfare organization, led by

H. S. Doreswamy, focused on issues related to land reforms, particularly the
protection of tenants and landless laborers. They campaigned for the
implementation of land reform laws and social justice.
• 2000s - Dalit Land Rights Movements: Movements led by Dalit organizations
and leaders, such as the Dalit Sangharsha Samiti (DSS), have focused on
securing land rights for marginalized communities. They have pushed for land
redistribution and protection of Dalit landowners from land alienation.
• 2010s - Landless Laborer Movements: Organizations like the Karnataka Prantha
Raitha Sangha (KPRS) continued to advocate for the rights of landless laborers.
They demanded fair wages, access to agricultural land, and protection from
exploitation.
 ನಮ್ಮ FORESIGHT ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು
Forum for KAS/Group B&C
• Karnataka has implemented several key land reform acts and legislations to
address issues of land ownership, land distribution, and tenant rights. Some of
the significant land reform acts in Karnataka include:

Legislative measures for land reforms:

• Karnataka Land Reforms Act, 1961: This is the primary legislation for land
reforms in Karnataka. It aims to address land concentration and promote land
redistribution. The act includes provisions related to the abolition of
intermediaries, imposition of land ceilings, protection of tenant rights, and the
distribution of surplus land to the landless.

• Karnataka Land Revenue Act, 1964: This act deals with the assessment and
collection of land revenue in the state. It specifies the procedures and rates for
land revenue collection.

• Karnataka Land (Restriction on Transfer) Act, 1991: This act places restrictions
on the transfer of agricultural land to non-agriculturists. It seeks to prevent the
diversion of agricultural land for non-agricultural purposes.

• Karnataka Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prohibition of Transfer of

Certain Lands) Act, 1978: This act is aimed at protecting the land rights of
Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. It prohibits the transfer of certain
categories of land owned by these communities to non-members.

• Karnataka Tenancy Act, 1981: This act governs the relationship between
landlords and tenants, including the terms of tenancy, rent fixation, and the
rights and responsibilities of both parties.

• Karnataka Land Reforms (Amendment) Act, 2020: This recent amendment to

the Karnataka Land Reforms Act, 1961, relaxed some of the land ceiling limits
and restrictions on the ownership of agricultural land. It aimed to attract
investment in the agricultural sector.
The ceiling on holding and acquisition of agricultural land has been increased
from 10 units to 20 units. This threshold is applicable for a person who is not a
family member or who does not have a family or for families with 4 members.

These are some of the key land reform acts and legislations in Karnataka. They
are designed to address land-related issues, protect the rights of tenants and
 ನಮ್ಮ FORESIGHT ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು
Forum for KAS/Group B&C
marginalized communities, and promote equitable land distribution in the
state. Please note that the specifics of these acts, including any amendments,
may evolve over time through legislative changes and government policies.

6. Agricultural Laborers
• There are two types of farm workers in India viz. Cultivators and Agricultural Labourers.
Cultivators are those who work in their own land
• Agricultural Labourers are those who work on the land of others for wages. An
agricultural labourer has no right of lease or contract on land on which she/he works.

Here are some key measures taken to benefit agricultural farmers in Karnataka:

• Krishi Bhagya Scheme: This scheme focuses on providing farmers with financial
assistance for various agricultural activities, including irrigation, seed distribution,
and soil testing. It aims to improve crop productivity and water-use efficiency.

• Rythu Bandhu Scheme: Inspired by Telangana's successful model, Karnataka's

government introduced the Rythu Bandhu scheme, which provides financial
support to farmers in the form of direct income assistance. It aims to help
farmers with the purchase of inputs like seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides.

• Loan Waiver Programs: The government has implemented loan waiver programs
to relieve farmers of their debt burdens. These programs aim to alleviate the
financial stress faced by farmers and enable them to continue farming.

• Karnataka Raitha Suraksha Pradhana Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY): This is a
crop insurance scheme under which farmers pay a nominal premium, and in case
of crop loss, they receive compensation for the damage to their crops.

• Agricultural Extension Services: The government promotes agricultural extension

services to provide farmers with access to expert advice, new farming
techniques, and information about best practices.
• Subsidies and Incentives: Karnataka offers subsidies and incentives for various
agricultural inputs, including seeds, fertilizers, and farm machinery, to reduce the
cost of farming for farmers.
These measures and initiatives collectively aim to improve the economic
condition of agricultural farmers in Karnataka, enhance agricultural productivity,
and ensure food security for the state
 ನಮ್ಮ FORESIGHT ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು
Forum for KAS/Group B&C
7. Socio-economic Impact &Political and Economic Consequences

Land reforms can have significant socioeconomic impacts, both positive and negative,
depending on the specific policies and their implementation.

• Redistribution of Wealth: Land reforms often aim to redistribute land from large
landholders to landless or small-scale farmers. This can reduce wealth inequality by
providing asset ownership to a broader segment of the population.

• Agricultural Productivity: When land is distributed to those who can cultivate it

effectively, it can lead to increased agricultural productivity. Smallholders may invest
more in their land and adopt modern farming techniques, resulting in higher crop
yields.
• Poverty Reduction: Land reforms can help lift people out of poverty by providing
them with a means of livelihood. Landownership can generate income, improve food
security, and reduce reliance on wage labor
• Rural Development: By supporting small-scale agriculture and rural communities,
land reforms can contribute to overall rural development. This includes improved
infrastructure, access to education, and healthcare services.

• Political Stability: Addressing land inequality can reduce social unrest and conflicts
over land. It can contribute to political stability by addressing a key source of
discontent.
• Economic Growth: Enhanced agricultural productivity can stimulate economic growth
by increasing the supply of food, raw materials, and agribusiness opportunities.
• Gender Equality: Some land reforms focus on ensuring that women have equal
access to land. This can empower women economically and socially, promoting
gender equality.

8. Land Records and Administration

• 9thschedule:(Regarding Land reforms) to ensure speedy and unhindered implementation of

various acts of legislation relating to land reforms.
• The Schedule became a part of the Constitution in 1951 by the First Constitutional
(Amendment) Act.
• As per the Indian constitution, land reform comes under the list of state subjects

Steps taken by the central government:

• The Indian government has enacted several significant pieces of legislation related to land
reforms over the years.
• The Land Acquisition Act, 1894: This was the primary law governing the acquisition of land
by the government for public purposes. It was replaced by the Right to Fair Compensation
and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation, and Resettlement Act, 2013.
 ನಮ್ಮ FORESIGHT ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು
Forum for KAS/Group B&C

• The Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation, and
Resettlement Act, 2013*: This act was a major reform aimed at ensuring fair compensation,
transparency, and adequate rehabilitation for those affected by land acquisition for public
and private projects. It replaced the Land Acquisition Act of 1894.

• The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights)
Act, 2006: This act recognizes and vests forest rights and occupation in forest land in forest-
dwelling Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers.
• The Tenancy Acts: Different states in India have their tenancy acts that regulate the
relationship between landlords and tenants. For example, the Karnataka Land Reforms Act,
1961, contains provisions related to land tenancy and agricultural land use.
• The Ceiling on Land Holdings Act: Several states in India have implemented laws to impose a
ceiling on landholdings to prevent land concentration and promote land redistribution
among landless farmers. These laws vary from state to state.
• The Land Reforms (Amendment) Act, 2005: This act aimed to address issues related to land
reforms, including issues of tenancy, land distribution, and land use.
•
• The Forest (Rights) Act, 1927: This act governs the rights of forest-dwelling communities and
the management of forests. It was amended in 1988 and later replaced by the Scheduled
Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006.

• The National Land Records Modernization Programme (NLRMP): While not legislation per se,
this program was launched to modernize land records across the country, aiming for
computerization, digitization, and transparency in land records.

Steps taken by Karnataka

• Karnataka has implemented the Bhoomi System, an online portal, to digitize land records
and make them easily accessible to the public. The Bhoomi System provides details such as
land ownership records, land survey numbers, land area, and property tax information.

• RTC (Record of Rights, Tenancy, and Crops): The RTC is a crucial document that contains
information about landowners, land occupants, crop details, and land revenue. It is
updated regularly to reflect changes in land ownership and usage.

• Mutation of Land Records: Whenever there is a change in land ownership due to sale,
inheritance, or any other reason, the land records need to be updated through a mutation
process. This ensures that the records accurately reflect the current owner's details.

• Property Tax Records: Property tax records are maintained by local municipal bodies or
panchayats. They provide information about the property's tax assessment, including its
value, tax payments, and arrears.
 ನಮ್ಮ FORESIGHT ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು
Forum for KAS/Group B&C
• Survey and Land Records Department: This department in Karnataka is responsible for
managing and maintaining land records. They conduct land surveys, update records, and
provide services related to land records.
• Encumbrance Certificate: This certificate is essential when purchasing property. It shows
whether there are any legal claims, mortgages, or disputes associated with the property.

• Online Services: Karnataka's Bhoomi System offers various online services for citizens,
including the ability to view land records, apply for RTCs, and access property-related
information from the comfort of their homes.

• Revenue Maps: Detailed revenue maps are maintained to provide a graphical

representation of land parcels, survey numbers, and boundaries.
• Aadhaar Integration: Karnataka has integrated Aadhaar (the unique identification number)
with land records to enhance accuracy and reduce fraudulent transactions.

Karnataka Land Reforms (Amendment) Bill, 2020:

The 2020 amendment bill seeks to amend the Karnataka Land reforms Act of 1961. The 1961 Act
brought in restrictions on ownership of agricultural lands in the state. The amendment removes 3
sections of the Act to allow ownership of farmlands by non-agriculturists. It also removed the income
barrier for purchasing farmland i.e. the provision that only people with income of less than 25 lakh
INR per annum. The Land Reforms Act, 1961 is being diluted by successive state governments in the
state to facilitate industrial growth and agricultural land ownership by non-farmers.

What are the recent amendments?

The Karnataka Land Reforms (Amendment) bill, 2020 has repealed three main sections of the
Karnataka Land Reforms Act, 1961. They are all related to the ownership of the farmlands.
They are as follows
• The amendments have done away with Section 79A. This section allowed only those earning
less than Rs 25 lakhs per annum to buy agricultural land
• Also, the amendment has done away with Section 79B. It said only people earning a living
through agriculture can buy agricultural land
• The Section 79C of the act has been removed. This section allowed revenue departments to
investigate alleged violations of Section 79A and Section 79B.
Why are the amendments made?
The amendments are being made as according to the State Government, the sections being
repealed are facilitating corruption in the offices of tahsildars and registrars. Over 13,814
cases of violation are pending under Section 79 A and B. Also, it will boost industrial
investments.
Concerns of the Amendments
The amendments allow the non-agriculturists to buy agricultural land within the state of
Karnataka. This will lead to loss of agricultural land that are being cultivated to meet food
requirements. The state is citing other states such as Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Andhra
Pradesh as examples where the curbs on sale and purchase of agricultural land does not
exist.
 ನಮ್ಮ FORESIGHT ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು
Forum for KAS/Group B&C

Previous year questions

• As per the Indian constitution, land reform comes under the list ofstate subjects

• 2ndOct 1965 brought into force(The Karnataka LAND REFORMS ACT, 1961)
• Under (The Karnataka LAND REFORMS ACT, 1961) ceiling of land was kept to 10 units and
later it was increased to 20 units
• The Karnataka Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prohibition of Transfer of Certain
Lands) Act, 1978, which came into force in 1979, was originally enacted to ensure that land
granted to the less privileged should be restored to the original grantee or their heirs even
if the land has been procured by other
• In 1955, a committee was formed under theleadership of the ex-vice president of India,
B.D.Jatti.Thiscommittee made certain recommendations towards bringingabout land
reforms.

• Who was the head of Karnataka's first land reform committee?-ex-vice president of India,
B.D.Jatti.
• As per the details of the Zaminadri System introduced by the British, the Zamindar had to
give 90% of the total tax to the British and kept 10% with themselves.—1793 Introduced
by lord Cornwallis
• William Bentinck was the British Governor General who brought the idea of Mahalwari
system.
• Agra and Awadh were the two places where the Mahalwari systemwas initiated at once.
• The practice of Rayotwari system was done in Maharashtra, Assam and East Bengal.
• Uttar Pradesh started with doing away with the Zamindari system after independence.
• The land reform act was passed by the Parliamentin the year, 1950
• Protection of the Sharecroppers was done through the Operation Barga
• Jatti committee submitted its report on land reforms-1958, a bill was formulated in 1961
• land reforms amendment act -1973 kept 10 units as the limit for the family of 5, 20 units
was the cap the excess of land was declared before the tribunal and such excess of land
50% was allocated to sc/st
• the joint select committee which recommended the 1974 land reform act was headed by
then the Revenue Minister-Kadidal Manjappa
• The 1974 law includes the exempted for charitable ,religious cooperative societies now
brought under the limit and made20 units
• tenancy reforms were most successful in Kerala and West Bengal
• The Urban Land Ceiling Act was a law in India, that was passed in 1976
• The agricultural land ceiling laws were enacted in the 1960s after the abolition of the
zamindari system. By 1961-62, ceiling legislation had been passed in all the states and it
became one of the controversial measures of land reforms in India.
• Provisions of the Land Ceiling Act: It defined a family of 5 members as a unit. A family of 5
members could own a maximum of 10 to 27 acres of irrigated land and 35 to 54 acres of
dry land. The rest of the land was declared surplus and taken away by the Government.
ನಮ್ಮ FORESIGHT ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು
Forum for KAS/Group B&C