The Uttarakhand Assembly has passed the Uttarakhand (Uttar Pradesh Zamindari Abolition and Land Management Act, 1950) Amendment Bill by voice vote to regulate unchecked land transactions in the state. The bill was approved last evening after extensive discussions in the Assembly.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami hailed the bill as a landmark reform to prevent land mafia activities. He pointed out that in the past, large land parcels were acquired under the pretext of establishing hospitals, industries, and educational institutions, but were misused for other purposes. He emphasized that his government is fostering development through innovation while ensuring land resources are protected.
It may be recalled that the land management and reform laws introduced under this bill aim to curb fraudulent land deals. Now, residential land purchases up to 250 square meters will require an affidavit. Any false declaration will result in the land being taken over by the government.
Additionally, industrial land purchases will now require direct approval from the state government rather than district-level authorities. The Chief Minister stated that this law is crucial to preserving the state’s demographic structure and cultural identity while ensuring sustainable land use.