By Tajdar H Zaidi
Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh government has announced its plans to revise land circle rates in multiple districts, including the state capital, Lucknow, as part of a broader initiative to ensure fair land valuations across the region. This move is particularly significant as it aims to update rates in areas where they have remained unchanged for an extended period, thereby aligning them with current market trends.
The process of revising land circle rates commenced on January 1, 2024, and has already been completed in 37 districts. The government emphasized that revisions are still ongoing in several other districts, while some regions are next in line for updates. This continuous process is expected to create a more equitable system for landowners, especially benefiting farmers who will receive fair compensation for their land in case of acquisitions under the existing legal framework.
According to an official statement, the government’s decision is in line with its vision of accelerating infrastructure development and facilitating investment in Uttar Pradesh. By ensuring that land valuations are revised periodically, the state aims to remove discrepancies in land pricing and enhance transparency in land-related transactions. This policy will also encourage more efficient utilization of land for industrial, commercial, and residential purposes, further contributing to the state’s economic growth.
As per government regulations, District Magistrates are responsible for determining the minimum price per hectare or square meter for both agricultural and non-agricultural land every August. However, if circumstances require, they have the authority to revise these rates at any time during the year. This flexibility has played a crucial role in expediting the revision process, allowing 37 districts to complete their updates successfully within the first few months of 2024.
In a recent high-level review meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh, officials were directed to accelerate the revision process, especially in districts where land circle rates have remained static for several years. The review highlighted the importance of keeping rates updated to prevent landowners from facing financial losses due to outdated valuations.
Several districts have been identified for immediate attention, including major urban and semi-urban centers such as Lucknow, Varanasi, Gorakhpur, and Meerut. Additionally, other districts where the revision process is expected to be carried out promptly include Baghpat, Etawah, Kannauj, Hapur, Bulandshahr, Maharajganj, Kushinagar, Ayodhya, Ambedkarnagar, Etah, Kasganj, Muzaffarnagar, Badaun, Jhansi, Jalaun, Lalitpur, Sant Kabirnagar, Kaushambi, and Prayagraj.
The decision to revise land circle rates is also expected to have a long-term impact on various sectors, including real estate, agriculture, and urban development. With updated valuations, landowners will have a clearer understanding of their property’s worth, enabling them to make informed decisions regarding sales, acquisitions, and investments. Moreover, developers and businesses looking to invest in Uttar Pradesh will benefit from a more standardized and transparent pricing mechanism, reducing disputes related to land transactions.
Furthermore, the government’s proactive approach towards land valuation revisions is likely to boost investor confidence in the state’s real estate market. Ensuring fair land pricing will not only benefit landowners and developers but also contribute to the overall economic progress of Uttar Pradesh by fostering a more competitive and investor-friendly environment.
As the revision process continues, the government has assured that it will take into account the concerns of all stakeholders, including farmers, property owners, and local authorities, to ensure a smooth and fair implementation. The administration remains committed to striking a balance between development and fairness, ensuring that landowners receive just compensation while supporting infrastructure and economic growth across the state.