Act proposed to protect 'bataidars' in Bihar

A commission on land reforms in Bihar has suggested to the state government to bring a new legislation to protect 'bataidars' (share-croppers), besides capping on land ceiling and computerisation of land records.

Although, the D Bandopadhayay Commission report was not tabled by the state government before the House during the monsoon session that ended yesterday, CDs containing the report were made available to the legislatures outside the Assembly.

Suggesting a cap on land ceiling at 15 acres (for both agricultural and non-agricultural land), the commission has recommended creation of better mechanisms for mutation, identification of bhoodan land and toning up revenue administration.

The commission also recommended enactment of a harsh legislation to take action against those hiding their surplus land in 'benami' names or through covert transfers.

The benami transaction (prohibition of the right to recovery) act 1989 should also be amended, it suggests.link