Advertisement
The Himachal Pradesh Assembly has sent the Tenancy and Land Reforms (Amendment) Bill, 2025, to a Select Committee for scrutiny. The Bill proposes allowing rural houses to be leased for ten years and exempts certain sales from prior permission under Section 118 of the 1972 Act. While the government says the amendments aim to simplify processes and promote development, opposition parties warn that they could weaken protections for local farmers, agricultural land, and forest areas. The committee's review will shape the Bill's future.
The Himachal Pradesh Assembly has referred the Tenancy and Land Reforms (Amendment) Bill, 2025, to a Select Committee for detailed examination. The Bill, introduced by Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, seeks to amend provisions under Section 118 of the Himachal Pradesh Tenancy and Land Reforms Act, 1972. It proposes allowing houses built in rural areas to be leased for up to ten years and exempts certain sales from prior permission requirements if such permission has already been granted. Advertisement
Section 118 currently restricts the transfer of land to non-agriculturists, covering sale, gift, lease, and mortgage, to protect local ownership and agricultural rights. The amendments aim to extend urban provisions where leasing without prior permission is allowed - to rural housing. The government argues that these changes will simplify administrative processes, promote development, and provide greater flexibility for rural property owners.
The referral to the Select Committee followed a request by opposition MLA Randhir Sharma (BJP), which was accepted by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Assembly Speaker. The committee will include members from both the ruling party and the opposition. It is expected to submit its report during the upcoming Budget Session, after which the Bill may return to the House for consideration.
During discussions, Negi emphasized that the Bill does not weaken the original Act but rather extends already existing urban benefits to rural areas. He highlighted that nearly 1,200 cases have received approval under Section 118 in the past three years, showing the growing need for streamlining the process.
Opposition members, including those from the Communist Party of India (Marxist), cautioned that the amendments could undermine protections meant to preserve Himachal Pradesh's limited agricultural land and forest resources. They expressed concerns that easing transfer rules might allow outsiders to acquire property, potentially affecting local farmers and the environment.
The referral underscores the delicate balance between encouraging development and safeguarding local rights. The Select Committee will provide an opportunity for detailed scrutiny, feedback from stakeholders, and careful consideration of long-term impacts before any final decision is made.
Source PTI
5th Jun, 2025
25th May, 2023
11th May, 2023
27th Apr, 2023
Advertisement
Facebook
Whatsapp
