Question.
State the objectives and measures of land reforms in India. Discuss how the land ceiling policy on landholding can be considered an effective reform under economic criteria.
(UPSC 2023 General Studies Paper 3 (Main) Exam, Answer in 150 words)
Answer.
Land reforms are necessary not only to boost agricultural growth but also to eradicate poverty in rural areas and bring about social justice.
From the 1950s to the 1970s, a series of land reform laws were passed in India, at the national level as well as in the states. Three major land reforms include-
- Abolision of Zamindari System
- Tenancy abolition and regulation act
- Land Ceiling Act
Objectives of Land Reforms in India are:
Abolition of Intermediaries:
The primary objective of land reforms was to abolish the Zamindari system and bring the cultivators in direct contact with the Government.
Redistribution of Land:
The primary objective is to reduce landlessness and address land inequities by redistributing surplus land from large landowners to landless and marginal farmers.
Tenancy Reforms:
Land reforms were bought to protect the rights of tenants, ensuring fair and secure access to land and preventing exploitation by landlords.
Consolidation of Land Holdings:
Land reforms consolidate fragmented landholdings and create larger, more viable agricultural units, promoting efficient land use and enhancing productivity.
Productivity:
It enhances agricultural productivity and promotes modern farming practices through efficient land use and equitable distribution of resources.
Social Justice:
Land reform addresses historical injustices, particularly those related to land ownership, and promotes social and economic equity in rural areas.
Land ceiling policy as an effective reform:
The land ceiling policy limits the maximum extent of land that an individual can hold.
It is considered as effective under economic criteria for several reasons:
Prevent concentration of wealth:
Limits on landholdings aim to distribute land more equitably, reducing concentration in the hands of few wealthy landowners.
This fosters a more balanced distribution of resources in rural areas.
High Productivity and Efficiency:
Small landholding enhances productivity and efficiency in agriculture. Smaller landholdings are often more intensively cultivated and easier to manage.
Empower Marginal Farmers:
Land ceiling policies facilitate the transfer of surplus land to landless or marginal farmers. This empowers vulnerable agricultural communities by providing them with the means to engage in productive farming.
In summary, the Land ceiling policy was one of the main landforms in India. Some states like West Bengal and Kerala had implemented it effectively and it improved agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods. However, the success of the land reforms lies not just only in addressing historical injustice but also in making agriculture more sustainable and inclusive.
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