Kolkata, Nov. 2 -- The BJP government in West Bengal is planning changes to the West Bengal Urban Land (Ceiling and Regulation) Act and Rules, 1976, and the West Bengal Land Reforms Act to unlock large tracts of land for industrial development.
The proposed changes are expected to feature in the state's industrial policy, scheduled to be unveiled on November 5. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has said he has shared his views on the policy, while Finance minister Swapan Dasgupta had earlier indicated that the government was considering scrapping the Urban Land Ceiling Act.
The move comes amid concerns that several industrial projects remain stalled due to land-related hurdles. Sources said large parcels acquired during the Left Front regime could not be utilised because of alleged irregularities in the acquisition process and failure to comply with the provisions of the land ceiling law. The restrictions have also made it difficult for private investors to acquire land for large-scale projects.
Under the existing Urban Land Ceiling Act, individuals and real estate companies cannot hold more than 7.5 kottahs of vacant urban land without special permission. Similarly, the Land Reforms Act restricts companies and organisations from directly purchasing more than 75 bighas (around 24 acres), with larger acquisitions requiring government clearance under Section 14-Y. Kolkata-based entrepreneur Dr AK Maity, who recently wrote to the Chief Minister, called for repealing both laws, arguing that lengthy approval procedures were driving investors to other states.
He said the Centre had advised states to repeal the Urban Land Ceiling Act and that several states had already done so. Relaxing land restrictions, he argued, would facilitate investment, accelerate industrialisation and generate employment opportunities for local people.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.