Why in the News?

• The Uttarakhand Cabinet has approved a new draft law that bans Non-residents of the state from purchasing Agricultural and horticultural land in 11 out of 13 districts barring Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar.

Key Points:

=> Restrictions on Land Purchase:

• District Magistrates will no longer have the authority to approve land purchases.
• Non-residents of the state must submit an affidavit before purchasing land to prevent fraud and irregularities with final approval resting with the state administration.

=> Online Monitoring System:

• A dedicated portal will be created to record land transactions involving non-residents and ensure transparency.

=> Stricter Land Use Regulations:

• Land within municipal boundaries must be used as per designated regulations. Any violation will result in government possession.

=> Comparison with Himachal Pradesh:

• In Himachal, non-agriculturists cannot buy agricultural land freely but can acquire it for industry, tourism, or horticulture with government approval.

=> Government’s Stand:

• This new draft will protect the resources of the state, cultural heritage, and the rights of the citizens, as well as play an important role in maintaining the original identity of the state.