The Gujarat government has initiated a significant move to overhaul its colonial-era land governance framework. Last week, it constituted a high-level committee tasked with studying and recommending amendments to the Gujarat Land Revenue Act of 1879. This law, which forms the bedrock of land administration in the state, is set for a comprehensive review after 144 years.
Committee Composition and Mandate
The state administration has appointed a committee of seasoned experts to lead this crucial review. The panel is headed by retired IAS officer C L Meena. He will be assisted by fellow retired IAS officers M B Parmar and Anis Mankad, with one member serving as the secretary. The government's official notification, issued on December 22, grants the committee a clear six-month deadline to submit its detailed report.
The committee's mandate is broad and multifaceted. Its primary task is to conduct a thorough examination of the existing Gujarat Land Revenue Act, 1879, along with all associated rules, resolutions, and departmental manuals. The goal is to identify archaic provisions and suggest necessary updates to align the law with contemporary needs.
Key Areas of Focus for the Panel
The panel's work will not be conducted in isolation. The government has directed it to incorporate critical perspectives into its review. A major focus will be analyzing the interpretations provided by the High Court and the Supreme Court in various judgments over the years. This legal lens will ensure that any recommended amendments are judicially sound and clear.
Furthermore, the committee has been explicitly asked to consider representations from various organizations and associations. This includes inputs from key stakeholders like builders' associations, lawyers' groups, and other relevant bodies. This inclusive approach aims to address practical ground-level challenges faced by industry professionals and citizens alike.
Implications and Expected Outcomes
This move by the Gujarat government signals a proactive step towards modernizing its land revenue ecosystem. A law enacted in the 19th century inevitably contains clauses that may be outdated or inefficient for today's fast-paced urban and rural development. The review promises to streamline procedures, potentially reduce litigation, and create a more transparent and responsive land management system.
The formation of this expert committee underscores the state's commitment to reforming governance. By leveraging the experience of retired senior bureaucrats and incorporating judicial and stakeholder feedback, the government aims to draft amendments that are both progressive and pragmatic. The outcome of this six-month study could have far-reaching consequences for property transactions, agricultural land use, and industrial development across Gujarat.
