Introduction

Land ownership in India, especially in regions like Gujarat, Mumbai, and Saurashtra, has evolved significantly from the pre-independence era to the present day. A key aspect of this transformation has been the elimination of intermediary tenures in agricultural land. This policy had three main objectives:

1. Eliminate Intermediary Tenures: Remove land tenure types involving intermediaries to establish direct dealings between the state and land occupants.
2. Encourage Direct Occupancy: Promote direct land occupancy by simplifying the regulations associated with intermediary tenures.
3. Set Landholding Ceilings: Establish limits on the amount of land a farming family can own to ensure equitable land distribution.

Historical Context

Before independence, land tenure systems in India were influenced by Hindu, Muslim, and Maratha state administrations for political purposes. The existence of these intermediary tenures necessitated their elimination to foster a direct relationship between the state and farmers. This belief was implemented when parts of Gujarat and Mumbai were under the Mumbai State, which introduced practices to eliminate these land tenure types.

Legal Framework and Provisions

The Mumbai State and subsequently Gujarat adopted laws to eliminate intermediary land tenure arrangements. These laws had three main provisions:

1. Mediator Land Possession: Mediators, as land possessors, were allotted sufficient land for agriculture and made occupants under the Land Revenue Code, determining the final land revenue payable to the state.
2. Direct State Relations: Possessors under mediators, including calculations and junior hosts, were also made direct occupants under the Land Revenue Code, ending their relationships with intermediaries and compensating them.
3. Non-Agricultural Properties: Mediators' non-agricultural properties were acquired by the state with nominal compensation, further consolidating direct state administration over land.

This framework resulted in all farmers becoming direct occupants, enjoying their land without intermediary relationships, thereby streamlining land administration in Gujarat.

Regional Implementations

In Saurashtra, specific laws were enacted to address different intermediary types, such as the Garasdari and Barakhli systems, and the Saurashtra Manor Accrual Law for non-agricultural wealth. In Kutch, the Inamdari system was abolished through a law modeled after the Mumbai Abolition of Jagir laws, making land possessors direct occupants with compensation.

Contemporary Land Reforms

The process of eliminating intermediary tenures was further reinforced by laws like the 'Agriculture of Lands Compartmentalization and Subdivision Prevent and Land Aggregation to Do Affairs Law, 1947' and the 'Agriculture of Lands Ceiling Law, 1960'. These laws aimed to streamline land ownership and administration, ensuring equitable distribution and efficient land management.

Impact of Land Ceiling Laws

In response to a directive from a Congress meeting in Nagpur in 1959, Gujarat formulated land ceiling laws aimed at equitable land distribution. The initial law, enacted in 1960 and executed from September 1, 1961, set high ceilings for agricultural land, considering various factors such as land fertility and family size. However, revisions between 1970-72 led to reduced ceilings and the cancellation of many exemptions, culminating in a new law effective from April 1, 1976

Key Provisions and Achievements

The revised law maintained classifications of local areas and land types, but with reduced ceilings and provisions for additional land for certain family members. It also addressed garden land classification, compensation for lands within the ceiling, and land retention for cattle. The government prioritized distributing acquired land to agricultural laborers, landless individuals, and small hosts, with special consideration for Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes

By March 1988, the government had taken possession of 60,323 hectares of land and distributed 43,725 hectares among 24,554 individuals. Financial assistance was provided to beneficiaries, reflecting a significant attempt to prevent the concentration of agricultural land ownership.

Conclusion

The journey of transforming land ownership in Gujarat from intermediary tenures to equitable distribution underscores the state's commitment to fostering direct relationships between the state and farmers. The elimination of intermediaries and the implementation of land ceiling laws have paved the way for a more just and efficient land administration system. This historical transformation continues to shape the landscape of land ownership in Gujarat, ensuring that the benefits of land are equitably shared among its people.