NEWS – The Karnataka government has notified major reforms under the Karnataka Land Revenue (Amendment) Rules, easing conversion norms for using agricultural land for non-agricultural purposes to promote ease of doing business and rural industrialisation.

HIGHLIGHTS

Key Features of the New Rules

• Exemptions from Prior Approval
  • Renewable energy projects (solar, wind, hybrid, biomass, waste-to-energy)
  • Small-scale and agro-based industries
• Industry on Farmland
  • Setting up industries on up to 2 acres of agricultural land does not require conversion
• Online Conversion System
  • Conversion applications to be made online
  • Dedicated government software under development
• Auto-Conversion in Master Plan Areas
  • Farmlands falling under urban master plans to be auto-converted
• Time-Bound Clearance
  • Deputy Commissioners must issue conversion order within 30 days
  • Otherwise, “deemed provisional approval” applies

Administrative & Governance Innovations

• Webcasting of Revenue Court Proceedings
  • Live streaming proposed to enhance transparency
• Citizen-Centric Governance
  • Reduced red-tape and corruption perception
  • Faster land-use approvals

Penalties for Misuse

• Misuse of relaxed norms:
  • ₹1 lakh fine
  • Additional ₹2,500 per day for continued violation
• Penalties to be recorded in RTC (Record of Rights, Tenancy and Crops)

Significance of the Reform

• Supports ease of doing business
• Promotes rural industrialisation
• Boosts renewable energy sector
• Encourages investment in peri-urban and rural Karnataka

Concerns & Challenges

• Possible land-use conflicts
• Risk of farmland fragmentation
• Need for environmental safeguards
• Monitoring misuse essential