BHOPAL: BJP government is all set to amend the state's Land Ceiling Act to facilitate acquisition of agricultural land while ensuring it is not acquired for long-term investment purpose by the rich and real-estate companies.

In the cabinet meeting headed by chief minister Chouhan on Tuesday morning, council of ministers approved amendment of Madhya Pradesh Akrishik Jot Uchchata Seema Adhiniyam (Madhya Pradesh Ceiling on Agricultural Holding Act) 1960. The amendment bill of section 15 of the Act will be presented in the assembly during the monsoon session. Once passed, MP Land Revenue Code section 165 (4) will get abolished.

Speaking to reporters, state government spokesman and health minister Narottam Mishra said, "After the amendment is passed, acquisition of agricultural land for non-agricultural use will be easier. Earlier, one had to convert land from agriculture to non-agriculture under the Land Ceiling Act. A no-objection certificate was necessary for which one had to run pillar to post from department to department." Now, a person buying a plot of agricultural land for non-agriculture use will have to just inform the district collector about purchase within 90 days.

"But no one will be permitted to buy agricultural land and then sit on it for decades as price of the plot would escalate. If land has been acquired for housing or to start an industry, construction has to start within a year and completion will be required within three years from the date of purchase," said Narottam Mishra.

Minister for housing Kailash Vijayvargiya explained the Act is being amended for two reasons. "Real estate companies purchase agricultural land and block it for years. Then they sell the property at high rates. Amendment of this Act ensures builders and investors cannot hold-on to agricultural land. It is in benefit of the state and the people," said Vijayvargiya.

The amendment will also make acquisition of land easier for proposed investors. "Government no longer has to be a party in the acquisition of land. Instead, it is two parties - the farmer and the buyer who decide on sale and price," Narottam Mishra said.

