In India, converting agricultural land for non-agricultural purposes can be complex and bureaucratic. However, in some cases, the government has introduced an affidavit-based system for ease in this process. In the affidavit-based conversion procedure, land use conversion is certified by the landowners, which generally makes the procedure easier.
What is Affidavit-Based Land Conversion?
Affidavit-based land conversion is an easier procedure. It changes the status of agricultural land from non-agricultural use. You do it by filing an affidavit instead of a tiled application. This affidavit-based system is currently adopted in a few states in India like West Bengal, Karnataka, etc.
The key aspects of affidavit-based land conversion are:
1. Self-Certification:
The landowner affirms, under penalty of perjury, that land use has changed. They affirm that zoning laws have been met and that the provided data is correct. This does away with the significant necessity of government checks and initiation.
2. Online Application:
Most states allow land conversion through affidavit filing. They process it with web applications, which adds to the ease.
3. Reduced Fees:
Affidavit-based land conversion is cheaper than formal conversion. The latter has a bureaucratic process, making it costly for landowners.
4. Faster Turnaround:
The affidavit-based mechanism speeds up land use’s turnaround time. It avoids long government approval procedures.
The Process Of Affidavit-Based Conversion of Land
1. Preparation of Affidavit:
The landowner makes an affidavit. It describes the land’s features, its current and potential usage, and how it does not violate the zoning ordinances.
2. Online Application:
Often, the landowner can start the affidavit-based land conversion process through an online form on the state’s land record website.
3. Document Submission:
The landowner submits soft copies of the affidavit and other documents, including certificates of title, survey plans, and records of title deeds.
4. Verification and Approval:
The Deputy Commissioner or Collector specialized in the specific area, or the Proper Officer referred to in the application, may check the applications and documents. In this case, the info that led to the land’s conversion is true. The planned use is legal under zoning laws. This led to the authorities’ approval.
5. Payment of Fees:
Other conversions may require fees per the law and filing costs. But, the landowner pays the state’s prescribed fees and the property’s fees.
6. Issuance of Conversion Certificate:
The government sends the land conversion certificate to the applicant. They do this once they approve the application. They send it through the quez system. The landowner can print it.
Checking Land Conversion Status
Land conversion based on affidavits is a simpler process. It allows Indian landowners to legally change the use of their agricultural land. They can change it for non-agricultural purposes, like residential, commercial, or industrial development. This method removes the need for long government approvals. It is a more efficient option for landowners.
Karnataka: Landowners can check the status of their affidavit-based land conversion application on the Bhoomi portal (https://bhoomionline.co/) by selecting the ‘View RTC and MR’ option and then ‘Mutation Status’.
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West Bengal: Landowners can log into the Banglarbhumi portal (https://banglarbhumi.gov.in/) go to the ‘Citizen Services’ tab, and then click on ‘Online Service Status’ and ‘Conversion Status’ to check the status of their application.
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Tamil Nadu: Landowners in Tamil Nadu can check the status of their land conversion applications through the TN e-Sevai online portal (https://www.tnesevai.tn.gov.in/) by providing the application number or other details. They can also visit the local revenue office or contact the Town and Country Planning Department.
The land conversion process is governed by the Tamil Nadu Change of Land Use Rules, 2017, but the state lacks a centralized online platform to track application status.
Other States: The process may vary, so landowners should check with the relevant state revenue or land records department.
Benefits of Affidavit-Based Land Conversion
1. Simplified Procedure: The use of affidavits makes it easier to change land use. They do away with bureaucracy and paperwork in the process.
2. Time-saving: It would have taken a government ministry a long time to verify and approve the land use change. The new affidavit-based system replaces the old, cumbersome procedures.
3. Cost-Effective: Affidavit-based conversion has lower fees than standard procedures. This helps landowners, especially those with small areas.
4. Increased Transparency: The self-certification in the affidavit-based system also helps transparency because the land owners themselves give the information hence ensuring that the information is correct.
5. Improved Land-Use Planning: The proposed system uses affidavits. It can help in land-use planning and management because the government can approve the switch from farm to non-farm uses.
Challenges and Considerations
1. Compliance with Zoning Regulations: A farmer has to ensure the land’s planned non-agricultural use complies with local zoning laws. The following are the consequences of failing to follow the rules that have been set for a student: Legal consequences may be imposed on a student.
2. Accuracy of Information: The affiant gives details on the subject. So, the landowner is responsible for their accuracy. Fraudulent documents come with severe legal repercussions, and one can be charged in court for filling in fake documents.
3. Verification and Monitoring: Though affidavits decrease the government’s role in the preliminary assessment, it has the right to do instant checks and inspections.
4. Disputes and Objections: Nearby land owners and others may cause controversies. They can make the process slow or hard.
5. Coordination with Local Authorities: Every landowner should consult with the local authorities. They must ensure that communication with the revenue department and the town planning office is constant and proper.
Conclusion
Affidavit-based land conversion in India has proven to be a step forward. It helps convert agricultural land for non-agricultural use. But the point is that some procedures the landowners must follow to convert the land. These procedures include legal and regulatory rules to be met.