UPSC Mains 2016 · GS III · Q9 · 12.5 marks · 200 words

Discuss the role of land reforms in agricultural development. Identify the factors that were responsible for the success of land reforms in India.

हिन्दी में

कृषि विकास में भूमि सुधारों की भूमिका की विवेचना कीजिए। भारत में भूमि सुधारों की सफलता के लिए उत्तरदायी कारकों को चिह्नित कीजिए।

How a topper answered the closest question

Toppers wrote this one in a test series: “Trace the history of land reforms in India. Do you think they have been able to achieve their purpose? Justify your answer.”

Anudeep DurishettyAIR 1 · CSE 2017 · 206 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening · a definition

Land reforms refer to the changes that were taken in legislative, institutional spheres to promote

Body · points and prose

Diagram
* equitable land distribution * promote agri productivity * help tenants and labourers

History of Land Reforms

Pre-independence British introduced Ryotwari, Permanent Settlement system that destroyed land markets.

Post-independence 3 reforms

Diagram
* Zamindari Abolition Act * land ceiling act * Tenancy reforms

2004: Central Land Reform Commission - Purpose of these reforms was to equitably distribute land and improve agri productivity.

Evaluation

PositiveNegative
1. States like W. Bengal, Kerala effectively implemented them. Eg: operation Barga1. Many states had large ceiling limits. Eg: Ktk - 200 acres
2. It led to effective land ceiling2. Courts were used to delay land reforms
3. Forest Rights Act, 2005 restored land rights to tribals3. Many Tenants evicted
4. Land Acquisition Act introduced Social Impact assessment to ensure rehabilitation4. Tribal forest rights are yet to be settled
5. LAAR act is seen as a hindrance to industrial development

Way Ahead

→ Digitize land records (Eg: MP) → Ensure Tenancy reforms

→ Model Land Leasing act of NITI Aayog is a good step → Ensure full tribal rights are settled

→ This will ensure equitable development and effective antidote to Naxalism as well.

Close · a way forward

None written.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) Examination 2016, General Studies Paper III, Q9. The paper on upsc.gov.in. Themes and links to toppers’ answers are by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.