Why in news:

• The Punjab Cabinet recently approved the Vesting of Proprietary Rights rules, which aim to grant ownership rights to various categories of tenants who have been cultivating land for generations without formal ownership. This decision is a significant step in recognizing the rights of tenants and addressing longstanding issues related to land tenure in Punjab.

Key Points:

• It is noteworthy here that the legislative journey for these rules began with a bill introduced in October 2020. After receiving assent from President Droupadi Murmu in March 2023, the rules were finally approved by the current Punjab state government which gave special priority to the legislaton, considering its specific social impact. This process took over a year and a half, reflecting the complexities involved in land reform legislation in India and the states.

Key provisions of the Rules

1. Eligibility criteria:
   • The rules apply to tenants who have occupied land for at least 12 years without formal ownership.
   • Beneficiaries must provide proof of continuous possession through documents like electricity or water supply connections.
     
      
2. Vesting process:
   • The proprietary rights will be vested upon payment of due compensation to the landowners.
   • Once vested, these rights cannot be sold, leased, or mortgaged for 20 years, except through inheritance or for securing loans for improvements on the property.
     
      
3. Categories of Tenants:
   • The rules cover various categories of tenants including Bhondedars (land granted for community service), Butimars (who clear land for cultivation), and Dohlidars (trustees receiving land as a deathbed gift)

Each category has specific historical and social roles within the community.

Rights and benefits granted:

• Tenants will gain access to financial institutions for loans and relief measures during natural disasters, similar to registered landowners.
• This change aims to alleviate economic hardships faced by these tenants who have historically lacked formal recognition of their rights.