Gujarat: Farmers who lost agri land to projects can now obtain certificates confirming status

According to the statement, as per government rules, farmers whose lands were acquired for developmental projects in the state have to get a certificate in this regard from the Collector or any other authorised person to ensure continuation of the farmer status.

As per the release, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel had got representations from various farmers, who lost their status on the grounds of not obtaining the certificate from the Collector regarding acquisition of their agricultural land parcel, seeking resolution of the issue.

Patel has given instructions to issue a government resolution that will give a chance to such farmers to obtain the mandatory certificate, said the statement.

Based on the CM’s decision, the statement added, those farmers whose land was acquired for different projects after May 1, 1960 (foundation day of Gujarat) and who could not obtain the mandatory certificate can now file an application to the district Collector concerned.

This application will have to be submitted to the Collector within one year of the date of issuance of the government resolution. After self verification of the application, the Collector will issue the farmer certificate to the applicant. The applicant will then have to buy agricultural land within three years of getting the certificate, the release said.

In addition, the release stated, the CM has decided that the farmers, who lost their status after their last agricultural land parcel was converted into non-agricultural land, will have to obtain a farmer’s certificate within one year of such conversion of land. And then the farmer will have to buy agricultural land within two years of the issuance of the certificate, the release added.