Land conversion process must bring relief

Vaikom Muhammad Basheer's famous work Bhoomiyude Avakashikal (The Rightful Inheritors of the Earth) conveys the message that not just humans but all living beings are the rightful inheritors and owners of the Earth. Most people live with the thought that the sky is above and the Earth is below. The vast sky belongs to everyone who can see it. But ownership of land is not that simple. Even those who own land have to overcome several hurdles to obtain the documents related to it. One such issue is land conversion.

Kerala Kaumudi published an exclusive report on its front page yesterday, stating that the government may amend the law to fix land conversion fees based on the fair value of the paddy field being converted. At present, the fee and slab for land conversion are fixed based on the fair value of the nearby residential land. As a result, landowners often have to pay a large amount in fees. There have been several complaints and objections over this issue. The proposed amendment is being considered as a solution, with the conversion fee to be fixed based on the fair value of the land itself.

The Revenue Department has already begun examining a comprehensive amendment to the Kerala Conservation of Paddy Land and Wetland Act, 2008. If the new amendment is implemented, the conversion fee is likely to come down. It is also expected to address complaints from officials about delays in fixing the conversion fee based on the fair value of nearby residential land. One of the main aims of the amendment is to reduce delays in the land conversion process. At present, applications for land conversion can take up to two years to be processed. This prevents owners from carrying out several activities they had planned on their land. If applications can be disposed of within a maximum of six months, it would provide major relief to landowners.

The government is also considering an amendment to create a fund for water conservation activities. A portion of the fee collected during land conversion may be directed to this fund.

Under the proposed changes, land conversion of up to 25 cents will be free of charge. For land between 25 cents and one acre, a fee of 10% of the fair value will have to be paid. For land exceeding one acre, the fee will be 20% of the fair value.

Changes are also likely in the definitions of the terms paddy land and wetland. At present, officials have the authority to interpret any land as paddy land or wetland, and there are concerns that this power is sometimes misused. The changes may also take into account the definitions provided in the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules introduced by the Central government in 2017. The government may also introduce a provision under which those applying for land conversion for the purpose of building a house will not have to submit a separate application to make changes to their land records. This would provide significant relief to people struggling to fulfil their dream of building a home.

Many issues caught in bureaucratic procedures and red tape are related to land. Behind many of these unresolved problems are the struggles of ordinary people. It is hoped that the proposed legal amendments will bring them much-needed relief.