Karnataka: Farmers Will Soon Be Able To Convert Land-Use In Three Days Through Self Declaration

In a bid to address the issue of ‘availability of land’ that has been plaguing investment in the state for decades now, Karnataka government will soon enable 'conversion' of agricultural land by farmers in three days time through a self-declaration.

Addressing media-persons on Saturday, Minister for Revenue R Ashok said the state will amend Section 95 of the Karnataka Land Revenue Act to enable easier conversion of land-use.

In contrast to the current system which takes several months, this affidavit-based conversion will be executed in three days, except if it has been ‘marked as a green zone in the master plan,’.

“There are major hurdles in converting agricultural land for non-agricultural use. One application has to go to several departments before reaching the deputy commissioner. It takes 6-8 months in Bengaluru and more than a year in other places,” said Ashoka, adding that an agricultural land owner will be able to put the land to any non-agricultural use by giving a self-declaration that is in accordance with the approved master plan of the area.

The minister also highlighted that this measure will aid in reduction of ‘revenue sites’ that are ‘unauthorised properties and get created because of the ‘conversion menace’.

“Deputy commissioners have all the information with them. Still, citizens are made to run around. This conversion menace is why there are 20-30 lakh revenue sites in the state,” he added.

While landowners can seek conversion of land-use, those holding the General Powers of Attorney (GPA) won't be authorised to do so. He also added that if the self-declaration is found to have any violations, the conversion orders will be cancelled and any fee paid will be forfeited automatically.