KA Land Reforms Act, 1961 Amendment

The Karnataka Land Reforms Act, 1961, was originally enacted to regulate the purchase and holding of agricultural land in the state, providing occupancy rights to tenants, and imposing ceilings on land holdings. However, significant changes were introduced through the Karnataka Land Reforms (Amendment) Ordinance, 2020, which aimed to liberalize the agricultural land market and attract greater investments.

Key Amendments:

1. Increase in Ceiling on Land Holdings:

   • The ceiling on holding agricultural land has been increased. Individuals and families who were previously limited to owning 10 units can now hold up to 20 units of agricultural land.

   • For families with more than five members, the ceiling is increased to 20 units, with an additional 4 units allowed for every member beyond five, capped at a maximum of 40 units.

2. Repeal of Restrictions on Non-Agriculturists:

   • Sections 79A, 79B, and 79C, which previously prohibited non-agriculturists from purchasing agricultural land, have been repealed. This allows non-agriculturists, including those with an income of more than INR 25 lakhs from non-agricultural sources, to invest in agricultural lands.

3. Amendments to Section 80 and 81:

   • The prohibition on the sale of agricultural land to non-agriculturists under Section 80 has been removed, although certain categories of land still have restrictions.

   • Under Section 81, agricultural land can now be mortgaged, but only to specified institutions.

4. Protection of SC/ST Land Rights:

   • A new provision, Section 80-A, has been inserted to ensure that the rights of lands granted to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (SC/ST) under the Karnataka Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (PTCL) Act, 1978, are not affected by these amendments.

Understanding of Karnataka Property Key Documents

These amendments mark a significant shift in Karnataka’s land reform policy, making it easier for a broader range of individuals and entities to acquire and invest in agricultural land, thereby encouraging economic development in the state.

For more detailed information on these amendments, you can refer to the official ordinance document here.