This story is from July 17, 2014

Maharashtra govt makes conversion of agricultural land simpler

In a move that could boost development in Maharashtra, the state cabinet has simplified the process to convert agricultural land in cities and towns into non-agricultural land.
Maharashtra govt makes conversion of agricultural land simpler
MUMBAI: In a move that could boost development in Maharashtra, the state cabinet has simplified the process to convert agricultural land in cities and towns into non-agricultural land. The owners of these plots will no longer have to take prior permission of the collector for the conversion if the plots are earmarked in the region’s development plan for residential townships or industrial units.
The collector’s nod, which was so far mandatory, had given rise to complaints of undue delays and corruption. The move will pare both, officials said. By rough estimates, tens of thousands of hectares will be unlocked because of the cabinet’s Wednesday decision.
It will benefit the municipal corporations and councils in Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai, Kalyan-Dombivli, Ulhasnagar, Vasai-Virar, Nalasopara, Ambernath, Kulgaon-Badlapur, Panvel, Alibaug, among others.
“Land owners will have to seek the permission of the municipal body for their non-agricultural plans. Once the municipal corporation or municipal council gives the go-ahead, the owner just needs to intimate the collector in 30 days. No permission from the collector is required. Revenue officials will then recover a one-time land conversion tax and a non-agriculture cess,” said an official after the state cabinet approved the move.
This process will apply to those who are direct owners of the land. For those who have leased land from the government, the collector’s permission is still required, though the conversion procedure has been made simpler for them as well. “The leaseholder will have to offer a certain share of the profitable deal on the land to the government,” said another official.
According to sources, masses of application for land conversion to non-agricultural use are pending, particularly in Mumbai region and around, stalling development. In rural areas, where there are no municipal corporations or councils, revenue officials will now be asked to create a databank of conversion applications, so that decisions can be made quickly, an official said.
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About the Author
Chittaranjan Tembhekar

An assistant editor (infrastructure) at The Times of India, Mumbai, Chittaranjan been covering institutions involved in providing urban infrastructure, power and telecom services for seven years.

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