📑 Table of Contents
📋 Quick Overview
The West Bengal Land Reforms Act, 1955 is the principal legislation governing agricultural land and rural property in West Bengal. Understanding its provisions is essential for anyone dealing with land in the state.
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Land Ceiling Provisions
The Act imposes a ceiling on agricultural land holdings. As per amendments, the ceiling is 5 hectares for irrigated land (7 hectares for others) for a family of 5 members. Excess land is surrendered and distributed to landless persons.
The land ceiling has been largely implemented in West Bengal.
Raiyat Rights
The Act recognizes raiyats (cultivating tenants) with rights to: cultivate the land, transfer with permission (for non-Bargadars), inherit, receive compensation for improvements, and be protected from eviction except under specific conditions.
Raiyats have permanent, heritable, and transferable rights subject to certain restrictions.
Transfer of Agricultural Land
Under the Act, transfer of agricultural land to non-agriculturists is restricted. Permission from the District Magistrate is required for sale to a non-agriculturist. Transfers to agricultural labourers or marginal farmers are freely permitted.
All land transfers must be registered and mutated.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the land ceiling in West Bengal?+
Can agricultural land be sold to a non-farmer?+
What are Bargadar rights?+
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