Non-agriculturist Himachalis can buy land without hassels

The Cabinet accepted the report of the ministerial group head by Revenue Minister Gulab Singh Thakur,which had recommended sweeping changes in Rule 38-A(a)(2) of the Himachal Pradesh Tenancy and Land Reform Rules-1975.

Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal said: “The Cabinet noted the concerns of families,who have been living here from generations but did not have the right to buy land for even a dwelling house. These families will not face any hurdle in securing permissions for acquiring land. The new rules also provides guidelines to ensure only eligible persons acquire land within strict limits and only after due diligence that will ensure that it is appropriate for the specified purpose.”

The rule also envisage to plug the loopholes resulting in excessive revenue loss on grant of 99 year lease. Now,buyers will have to pay a higher stamp duty. Most importantly,the changes in the rules will do away with all discretion in the grant of permission.

Certain checks have also been imposed on the non-agriculturists. For other than a dwelling unit or shop,any non-agriculturist intending to acquire land with permission under Section 118,will need an essentiality certificate (EC) from the concerned department that will certify his eligibility,purpose for which the land is required and also NOCs from all relevant departments and authorities,including the local bodies.

But in case of agriculture/horticulture use,where no EC was required earlier,this has been brought in to include tourism and industry. The relaxations with regard to NOCs have been removed,said Revenue Minister Gulab Singh Thakur.

Now,for the purchase of a dwelling unit,permission will be given to persons living and working in Himachal Pradesh prior to 1972 and duly recommended by concerned the local body. All government employees possessing bonafide Himachali certificate,gallantry,Padma award winners and persons who have achieved eminence in the spheres of health,education,culture,research,public service,sports and business will get land easily.