The State Government took a significant decision of cutting down on procedures and made the end-to-end process online. Conversion of agricultural land for non-agricultural use will now happen within a month as the government has simplified the process and launches affidavit-based online land-use conversion.
This move has been taken to approach the increasing complaints from the landowners and took after the unnecessary delay made by the authorities in the process of land conversion. The new process will not only speed up the process of land conversion by reducing unnecessary delays and paperwork but also will help to control the widespread corruption in the entire process.
This online system will speed up activities such as housing, solar projects, infrastructure, development, tourism projects among others need lands. This move will enhance the ease of doing business in Karnataka.
Earlier, a citizen seeking conversion of his land/plot of agriculture land had to submit about 20 documents including a host of NOCs including those related to land acquisition and tenancy laws along with the application. In many cases, they would run from one place to another trying to get these documents or bribe to get these services or just quit their attempts showing unwillingness.
State Cabinet accepted a proposal from the Revenue Department and decided to reduce the number of documents to be submitted to 2-3. An applicant will now have to submit RTC copy for the current year, a copy of mutation record, an 11E sketch (only if the land conversion request falls within the same survey number) along with an affidavit. After getting the required documents, the Revenue Department will collect the rest by communicating with other departments through its online process. If a department doesn’t submit its comments within one month from the date of the receipt of the document, then the revenue department will assume that they have no objection, and initiate the process of conversion.
What is Agricultural Land?
Agricultural lands are mainly for agricultural activities. Law doesn’t allow to build houses, industries, factories, etc. on the agricultural land despite the ownership of the property. Non-farmers are not able to buy agricultural land in India.
What is Non-agricultural land?
If any activity in the nature of development is carried over on the land which makes land unfit for cultivation is known as Non-agricultural land. You can develop on the said land provided only after obtaining all the necessary permissions from the local authority.
Things to know about Land Conversion?
Lands that have been declared as agricultural cannot be used for residential, commercial or industrial purposes; without conversion of the same into non-agricultural land. The process of converting agricultural land into a non-agricultural land is called land conversion, or in other words, DC Conversion as the conversion is generally endorsed by a Deputy Commissioner.
Online process of land conversion
Under the online system, the applicant needs to submit a request with land details as well as information like the survey number and an affidavit. For half-done conversion or if the RTC has multiple owners or in case of Pyki RTCs, the applicant must submit an 11E sketch.
The software will forward the application to the concerned Urban Development Authority (UDA) and the officials will verify the details after confirming if the request is in compliance with the master plan of the area.
Once the details are verified, the officials will ask the applicant to pay an online fee and fine, if any. The authorized deputy commissioner will digitally sign the conversion order which could be downloaded and printed by the user.
For online process applicants can visit the official website: www.bhoomi.karnataka.gov.in
the government’s decision to reduce the Goods & Service Tax (GST) rates for under-construction projects to 5% from the effective rate of 12%. Keeping in mind the objectives of “Housing for All by 2022”, the government has reduced the GST to marginal 1% for affordable housing. Apart from that, completed projects which have received Occupancy Certificate (OC) will not attract GST.
