BIHAR RFAIYATI LAND PURCHASE POLICY 2026 IS AGAINST FARMERS’ INTERESTS: MP

BIHAR RFAIYATI LAND PURCHASE POLICY 2026 IS AGAINST FARMERS’ INTERESTS: MP

2-JULY-ENG 1

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

BHABHUA-------------------------Sudhakar Singh, MP from the Buxar Lok Sabha constituency, has strongly opposed the "Bihar Raiyati Land Purchase Policy, 2026" implemented by the Bihar government, terming it detrimental to the interests of farmers. He has written to the Chief Minister demanding the immediate withdrawal or suspension of this policy.

The MP stated that Bihar is an agrarian state where land is not merely an asset but the foundation of livelihood, social dignity, and the future for millions of farmers. Consequently, if private companies and large capitalists are facilitated to purchase *raiyati* (privately owned) land on a large scale through the government machinery, it will have far-reaching and serious adverse effects on the farmers' economic security, social balance, and the agricultural system.

He remarked that this policy appears to run counter to the spirit of the *Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013*. He noted that under Section 46 of the Act, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (R&R) provisions are mandatory when private companies purchase land; however, the state government has not clarified what rules, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), or administrative mechanisms have been established for this purpose. If compliance with these provisions is not ensured, land purchases made under this policy could lead to legal disputes in the future.

Sudhakar Singh pointed out that Section 46(5) of the Act empowers the state government to fix a maximum ceiling for land purchases by private companies, yet the new policy lacks any clear provision in this regard. He expressed apprehension that without a fixed ceiling on land purchases, large corporate groups could acquire thousands of acres of agricultural land, thereby exacerbating unequal land distribution and potentially leading to the displacement of farmers. He further stated that the policy bases land valuation solely on Registration Department rates or past sale deeds, whereas farmers ought to receive fair compensation reflecting the actual market value of their land, its current usage, and its future potential.

The MP remarked that determining the nature and category of land based exclusively on Registration Department records is impractical, given the discrepancies between revenue records and actual land use in many parts of the state. This situation risks causing injustice to farmers and escalating disputes.

He questioned the government regarding the direct benefits this policy would yield for the state government, farmers, or the general public. Conversely, there is an apprehension that Bihar’s fertile agricultural land could gradually pass into the control of private companies and large corporate houses, potentially exacerbating issues such as economic inequality, rural displacement, and social tension.

Sudhakar Singh pointed out that under Section 2(2) of the Land Acquisition Act, 2013, the prior consent of at least 80 percent of affected families is mandatory for land acquisition—or processes akin to acquisition—by private companies. He demanded that the government clarify how compliance with this statutory provision would be ensured under the new policy.

The MP urged the Chief Minister to withdraw or suspend the 'Bihar Raiyati Land Purchase Policy, 2026' with immediate effect, keeping the broader interests of farmers in mind. He further advocated for formulating a new policy only after extensive consultations with farmers' organizations, agricultural and legal experts, public representatives, and civil society, to ensure the proper protection of farmers' rights, livelihoods, and agricultural land.