<p>Revenue Minister K S Eshwarappa on Tuesday told the Assembly that the government will not revoke the rule under the Land Reforms Act, 1961, which bars non-agriculturists, whose annual income is more than Rs two lakh, from purchasing agricultural land.<br /><br />However, the government is contemplating bringing in certain changes to the Section 79A of the Act keeping in view the ‘present developments’. But, he did not specify the changes that will be effected and also the nature of developments that would be taken into consideration. The government has finally put an end to speculations that it will amend the Act to enable non-agriculturists with income up to Rs five to six lakh to purchase agricultural land.<br /><br />Eshwarappa, while replying to a question tabled by S R Vishwanath (BJP), said, “If the income limit is relaxed, farmers would come to streets as they would lose their land as well as vocation. This government will therefore never make such a move.” <br /><br />The minister said the spiralling land prices was making farmers sell their agricultural land. Many farmers, who have sold their lands, have been left with no money. The Section 79 A helps in protecting the interest of farmers. Earlier, Vishwanath, who represents Yelahanka constituency in Bangalore, said the Section 79 A was not in tune with the prevailing land prices or income levels. <br /><br />Not practical<br /></p>.<p>The guidance value of land as fixed by the government in some areas of Bangalore ranges from Rs 25 lakh to Rs one crore. So, limiting the annual income to Rs two lakh is not practical. Even if farmers, with higher income, want to purchase additional land adjoining theirs, they cannot do that because of the existing rule. “In my area, 400 layouts are being formed on revenue lands. Land developers from Andhra Pradesh are forming layouts. Despite the rule, farmers are still selling land to developers,” he added. <br /><br />Intervening, Congress member Dr Sharan Prakash Patil (Sedam) vehemently argued against effecting any changes to the present rules as that would harm farmers. <br />Krishna Byregowda (Congress) said that compared to the guidance value, the income limit fixed is too low. “Section 79 A has not served its purpose. There is a need to relax the rule. But, those who are purchasing land are being exploited every day. Has the government confiscated even an acre of land which has been sold in violation of law?,” he said. <br /></p>
<p>Revenue Minister K S Eshwarappa on Tuesday told the Assembly that the government will not revoke the rule under the Land Reforms Act, 1961, which bars non-agriculturists, whose annual income is more than Rs two lakh, from purchasing agricultural land.<br /><br />However, the government is contemplating bringing in certain changes to the Section 79A of the Act keeping in view the ‘present developments’. But, he did not specify the changes that will be effected and also the nature of developments that would be taken into consideration. The government has finally put an end to speculations that it will amend the Act to enable non-agriculturists with income up to Rs five to six lakh to purchase agricultural land.<br /><br />Eshwarappa, while replying to a question tabled by S R Vishwanath (BJP), said, “If the income limit is relaxed, farmers would come to streets as they would lose their land as well as vocation. This government will therefore never make such a move.” <br /><br />The minister said the spiralling land prices was making farmers sell their agricultural land. Many farmers, who have sold their lands, have been left with no money. The Section 79 A helps in protecting the interest of farmers. Earlier, Vishwanath, who represents Yelahanka constituency in Bangalore, said the Section 79 A was not in tune with the prevailing land prices or income levels. <br /><br />Not practical<br /></p>.<p>The guidance value of land as fixed by the government in some areas of Bangalore ranges from Rs 25 lakh to Rs one crore. So, limiting the annual income to Rs two lakh is not practical. Even if farmers, with higher income, want to purchase additional land adjoining theirs, they cannot do that because of the existing rule. “In my area, 400 layouts are being formed on revenue lands. Land developers from Andhra Pradesh are forming layouts. Despite the rule, farmers are still selling land to developers,” he added. <br /><br />Intervening, Congress member Dr Sharan Prakash Patil (Sedam) vehemently argued against effecting any changes to the present rules as that would harm farmers. <br />Krishna Byregowda (Congress) said that compared to the guidance value, the income limit fixed is too low. “Section 79 A has not served its purpose. There is a need to relax the rule. But, those who are purchasing land are being exploited every day. Has the government confiscated even an acre of land which has been sold in violation of law?,” he said. <br /></p>
