Land Tenure & Land Reforms by Dr S Malini
- 1. Land Tenure and Land Reforms Dr. S. Malini Associate Professor PG & Department of Economics Ethiraj College for Women, Ch -08
- 2. Definition of Land Tenure Land tenure refers to the system of land ownership and management. It can be distinguished based on the following criteria: (a) Who owns the land (b) Who cultivates the land (c) Who is responsible for paying the land revenue to the Government Based on these features, three major land tenure systems were prevalent in India: 1. The Zamindari System 2. The Mahalwari System 3. The Ryotwari System
- 3. Zamindari System (Landlord-Tenant System) Main Features • Ownership of land is separated from the managerial and labouring functions. • The landlord acts primarily as a provider of land, while the tenant undertakes all managerial and labour-related activities. • The landlord receives a predetermined share of the agricultural produce. • The landlord is responsible for paying land revenue to the state. The actual cultivator (tenant) does not have direct contact with the state, as the landlord serves as an intermediary. Limitations This system led to a variety of inefficiencies and inequities in agricultural production and land distribution. It was a key factor contributing to the demand for land reforms in India. Approximately 25% of the agricultural area in pre-independence India was under the Zamindari system. The Zamindari system was introduced by Lord Cornwallis in 1793 through the Permanent Settlement Act. It was implemented in the Provinces of Bengal, Bihar, Orissa, and Varanasi.
- 4. Mahalwari System (Communal Farming System) Main Features • Land ownership is collectively maintained, typically at the village level, which serves as the basic unit of land management. • Land is distributed among individual peasants who cultivate it. • Revenue is collected from individual cultivators, but the responsibility for paying it to the state lies with the entire village community. Limitations Over time, the system showed signs of degeneration and gave rise to absentee landlordism. Around 39% of India’s land area was under this system before independence. The Mahalwari system was introduced by Holt Mackenzie in 1822 and later revised during the period of Lord William Bentinck in 1833. It was a land revenue system implemented in British India, primarily in the North- Western Provinces, Agra, Punjab, the Gangetic Valley, and the Central Provinces.
- 5. Ryotwari System (Owner-Cultivator System) Main Features • Rights of land use and control are vested in the family that provides the primary labour force. • The owner-cultivator, also known as the peasant-proprietor, holds direct responsibility for land and pays revenue and other dues directly to the state. • This system accounted for approximately 36% of land area in pre-independence India. Merits The Ryotwari or peasant-proprietorship system is regarded as the most economically efficient and socially just among the three systems. It aligns with the goals of a welfare state seeking to promote both equity and productivity in agriculture. The Ryotwari system in India was primarily introduced by Sir Thomas Munro, who was the Governor of Madras in 1820. It was implemented in the Madras and Bombay Presidencies, as well as parts of Assam and Coorg.
- 6. Objectives of Land Reforms in India Promote egalitarian agrarian relations Eliminate exploitation in landownership Ensure land to the tiller Improve rural livelihoods by expanding land access Enhance agricultural productivity Enable land-based rural development Foster equality in local institutions
- 7. Components of Land Reforms 1 Abolition of intermediaries 2 Tenancy reforms fair rent, tenure security, ownership rights 3 Land redistribution ceilings, surplus land, resettlement 4 Consolidation of holdings to avoid fragmentation 5 Digitisation of land records for transparency
- 8. Arguments in Support of Land Reforms • Imposition of ceilings creates pressure on large landowners • Redistribution provides incentives to landless peasants • Small farms use land and labour more intensively • Peasant-proprietorship enhances productivity and employment • Consolidation is essential for modern farming • Support for small and marginal farmers through cooperative arrangements Arguments Against Land Reforms • Further land redistribution may reduce farm size below viability • Limits on landholding size restrict economies of scale • Peasant-proprietorship may hinder labour movement to non- farm sectors
- 9. Impact of Land Reforms Progress of land reforms in India has been slow. Future agricultural growth depends on institutional reforms as much as on technology. Causes for Poor Performance 1 Lack of Political Will Weak commitment due to existing power structures. 2 Beneficiaries were unorganized 3 Weak Administration Inefficient implementation mechanisms. 4 Legal Loopholes Poorly drafted laws, easy to bypass. 5 Outdated Land Records Inadequate evidence of land rights. 6 Fragmented Approach Reforms implemented in isolation from broader development.
- 10. Contemporary Relevance and Way Forward Land Titling and Digitization Emphasis on secure land rights through initiatives like the Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP). Agrarian Policy Reform Need for a comprehensive approach integrating land, credit, markets, and rural infrastructure. Equity and Productivity Land reforms must aim to achieve both social justice and agricultural efficiency. Climate Resilience and Land Use Land systems must respond to climate change, promote sustainable agriculture, and ensure food security. Colonial Legacy and Policy Insight Understanding historical land systems is essential for effective policy-making and addressing contemporary agrarian challenges.
- 11. Reference Dhingra, I. C. (2022). Indian economy (47th ED.). Sultan Chand & Sons