Land use conversion norms to be eased

Home Minister V S Acharya, on Tuesday, said that the economic recession had hit the collection of State’s resources through stamps and registration. “There are no restrictions on change of land use in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The State is also thinking to ease restrictions on the lines of TN and Kerala governments. However, we have not yet come to a conclusion on the issue,” he said.

Asked what sort of relaxations the State could offer, he said, “Cities and towns in the State have been divided into different zones. As per the zone regulations, the Government can allow conversion of land use. If an industrialist shows interest to set up an industry in a village and promises employment to 100 people, he should be encouraged by offering easy conversion of agriculture land.”

He said allowing easy conversion of land would not offer room for builders who possess large extent of land and make poor farmers suffer. “When Deve Gowda was the CM he relaxed restrictions on conversion of land up to the extent of 200 acres. However, that did not prove detrimental for poor farmers,” he said. He argued that it was difficult to achieve growth in the 21st century keeping the laws made in the 19th century.

He said that the Government would arrive at a conclusion on relaxing restriction on land use conversion after a detailed debate over the issue.

Economic growth

Reacting to allegations of the Congress that the State was facing severe shortage of funds, Acharya said that Karnataka stood first in collecting resources in the country.

The State had collected 11.5 per cent of the GSDP. Andhra Pradesh stood at the second position by collecting revenue close to 10 per cent of its GSDP. The fiscal deficit had been maintained at 3.14 of the GSDP, he said.

KCOCA

The minister, reacting to Congress leader D K Shivakumar’s comments on KCOCA, said that the Cabinet had given its assent to KCOCA with certain changes.

The same would be tabled in the Legislature if the session was held before June. Otherwise the Government would bring in an ordinance.