Why the BJP Promises Stricter Land Laws in Uttarakhand

Land laws have been a contentious issue in Uttarakhand since the state was formed from Uttar Pradesh 24 years ago. Despite numerous amendments and policy changes, the laws remain a divisive topic. On September 27, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami promised a thorough investigation into violations of land purchase regulations and announced plans for stricter legislation.

Currently, the Uttarakhand (Uttar Pradesh Zamindari Abolition and Land Reforms) Act allows non-residents to purchase up to 250 square meters of land without permission, while permanent residents face no limits. Dhami revealed that many non-residents circumvent these regulations by purchasing land under different family members’ names. He stated that the government would repossess any illegally purchased land.

Additionally, Dhami emphasized that individuals who obtained permission for business activities, such as tourism and industry, but failed to use the land for its intended purpose would also face scrutiny. The government is preparing a detailed report on these cases, reflecting deep-seated concerns about protecting local interests and maintaining Uttarakhand’s ecological balance.

Residents, especially in the hilly regions, have long called for stricter land laws, similar to those in Himachal Pradesh. There, Section 118 of the Himachal Pradesh Tenancy and Land Reforms Act of 1972 restricts land ownership by non-residents. Non-agriculturists, including outsiders, cannot freely purchase agricultural land without government approval. In contrast, Uttarakhand has relaxed restrictions on non-resident land purchases to boost economic growth, particularly in tourism and real estate. This liberalization has sparked protests and demonstrations, as locals fear that “outsiders” are altering the region’s social and cultural fabric.

The BJP aims to address land law issues, particularly in the Hill regions, hoping to gain political support as the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) has not yielded the expected benefits. The Congress party shares similar views, as it too seeks to appease locals demanding changes.

In 2021, facing increasing pressure, the Dhami government formed a high-level committee to review land laws and introduced amendments to curb unrestricted agricultural land sales to non-residents. These revisions limit non-residents to purchasing 250 square meters of agricultural and horticultural land.

Recently, Dhami acknowledged that the 2017 rule changes did not achieve their intended results. He announced plans to introduce comprehensive land legislation during the next Budget Session. Last year, he established a five-member committee to study recommendations from a 2022 draft report aimed at amending the land laws. This ongoing process reflects the government’s attempt to balance economic growth with the preservation of local rights and interests.