Karnataka Minister Urges Regular Land Value Updates to Safeguard Farmers and Combat Illegality
In a significant move aimed at protecting agricultural communities and enhancing transparency in real estate, Karnataka Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda has strongly advocated for the periodic revision of land guidance values. Speaking in the Legislative Council on Wednesday, the minister emphasized that such updates are crucial to prevent illegal land transactions and ensure farmers receive fair compensation when their lands are acquired for developmental projects.
Addressing Disparities and Injustices in Land Acquisition
Responding to a query from BJP MLC KS Naveen, Minister Gowda highlighted the severe disparities between official guidance values and actual market prices, which often lead to irregularities and injustices during land acquisition processes. "Revising the guidance value from time to time is the only solution to prevent injustice caused to farmers in land acquisition compensation," Gowda stated. "In some places, there is a lot of difference between the guidance value and the market price. This is leading to illegalities."
Earlier, Naveen had questioned the government on whether compensating farmers based on pre-2019 guidance values resulted in financial losses for landowners. "Don't you think awarding compensation to farmers during land acquisitions as per 2019 guidance value is causing a loss to farmers?" he asked, pointing to potential outdated valuations.
Explaining the Legal Framework and Its Limitations
Minister Gowda detailed the existing legal framework under the 2013 land acquisition law, which outlines the method for determining compensation. "If you go by this law, once a preliminary notification for land acquisition is issued, the guidance value for that land is not revised," he explained. "Instead, either the earlier guidance value or the registered sale deed values from the past 3 years are considered. The average amount based on the highest transaction value is then determined as compensation."
However, the minister acknowledged that this system can disadvantage farmers when guidance values become outdated. "Government is acquiring land every day for one or the other reasons, and it is true that not revising the guidance value from time to time causes injustice to farmers," Gowda admitted. "This is the reason that I recommended revision of guidance value, but there are people who oppose that also."
Widening Gap Between Official and Market Rates Fuels Illegality
Gowda further elaborated on the consequences of the widening gap between guidance values and market rates, noting that it not only harms farmers but also encourages illegal transactions. "At some places, if the guidance value is ₹2 lakh, the market price is ₹70 to ₹80 lakh," he cited as an example. "This is also leading to the transaction of black money. Considering all these, revision of guidance value is the only solution to prevent illegal transactions and also to give justice to farmers."
The minister's remarks underscore a pressing issue in Karnataka's land management, where outdated valuations can lead to significant financial losses for farmers and foster illicit activities in the real estate sector. By pushing for regular updates, Gowda aims to align compensation with current market realities, thereby promoting fairness and reducing corruption.
This initiative reflects broader efforts to reform land acquisition practices in the state, ensuring that developmental projects do not come at the expense of vulnerable farming communities. As debates continue, the call for revised guidance values remains a key point in discussions on agricultural welfare and economic transparency in Karnataka.
