Haryana Land Policy Update: Cabinet Approves Key Amendments to Streamline Land Rate Fixation

Haryana Land Policy Update: In a significant move aimed at simplifying land valuation procedures and ensuring fair compensation, the Haryana Cabinet, under the leadership of Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, has approved a proposal to amend the existing land policy concerning the fixation of land market rates. The decision, taken during a high-level meeting on Monday, marks a major reform in the state’s land acquisition and compensation framework.

The amendment was proposed by the Department of Revenue and Disaster Management and is designed to bring uniformity and transparency in the way land rates are determined across various government departments, boards, corporations, Panchayati Raj institutions, and urban local bodies.

Objective Behind the Amendment in Haryana Land Policy

The original land rate fixation policy was notified on November 25, 2021. However, multiple departments were following different yardsticks, leading to legal complications and inconsistencies. To avoid such issues, the state government has amended the policy to align with the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013.

One of the most impactful changes is the revision of the term “double” to “four times” in Clause 5(iii)(c) of the policy. This ensures that the compensation paid is on par with what is mandated under the central legislation, offering fairer payments to landowners.

How This Amendment Benefits You

If you are a landowner or an investor in Haryana, here’s how the amended land policy could benefit you:

• Fairer Compensation: The collector rate for agricultural land will now be multiplied by four, ensuring landowners receive compensation that truly reflects the value of their land.
• Simplified Procedure: The amendment removes the earlier requirement of departmental approvals through the High-Level Land Purchase Committee. Now, approval from the Chief Minister or landowning local authority will suffice, speeding up the process.
• Clarity for Private Entities: Private developers or beneficiaries acquiring land will now follow a standardized process, reducing ambiguity and delays in land-use permissions.

Important Changes in the Policy

• Rate Revision: The word “double” in clause 5(iii)(c) has been replaced with “four times”, aligning the policy with the central land acquisition act.
• Authority Clarification: The term “Department with the approval of High-Level Land Purchase Committee” has been replaced with “Government or Local Authority with the approval of the Chief Minister.”New Application Requirement: A new sentence has been added to Clause 5(iii)(c), stating:
  “The concerned private entity shall make an application along with 25% of the amount due as per this clause to the Head of the landowning organisation or department, indicating its consent to the policy.”

This means that private parties must show commitment by paying a quarter of the amount upfront, thus ensuring smoother transactions and better planning.

Why This Matters for Haryana’s Development

This policy change comes at a time when Haryana is witnessing rapid urbanization and infrastructural growth. By standardizing the rate fixation process and ensuring fair compensation, the state is creating a more transparent, investor-friendly environment. The move is expected to reduce litigation, accelerate development projects, and build trust among stakeholders.

The Haryana Cabinet’s decision to amend the land policy is a progressive step towards ensuring transparency, fair compensation, and ease of doing business. Whether you’re a landowner awaiting compensation, a government agency acquiring land, or a private investor planning a project, these reforms aim to make the process smoother, faster, and fairer.