Ten states could amend land lease laws by end-March

Ten-odd states appear to be in the process of changing their land-lease laws. They’re expected to complete the process by the end of this financial year.

Officials here said Madhya Pradesh has already passed a new leasing law, one that protects the rights of tenants in the event of a natural calamity. Uttar Pradesh has allowed all those who cannot cultivate their land or are not in the business of agriculture to lease out through a written document.

Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are also in the process of amending the decades-old land lease laws.

“We are hopeful that many more states would soon join the list,” said T Haque, former chairman of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices, who is spearheading the initiative on behalf of NITI Aayog. He heads the land policy cell in the Aayog.

Haque said many states had shown interest in changing these laws but have to be mindful of political compulsions.

A copy of the new Madhya Pradesh law was recently circulated among states at a recent meeting between the Aayog and state representatives, on reforming of agriculture.

“What we are trying to impress upon states is that they should allow free leasing for all land in future,” said Haque.