7. Analysis of Land Reform Measures

While the abolition of intermediaries is no longer a pressing concern, success in achieving the objectives of redistribution of ceiling surplus land to the landless and security of tenancy varies among the states. There exist obstacles to identifying ceiling surplus land in the form of common subterfuges such as dividing the land between family members and benami transactions.

A related issue is the security of tenancy; along with ensuring protection from arbitrary eviction and overcharging of rent, land reform framework must also contend with the question of whether tenants are to be given ownership of the land.

Unfortunately, the implementation of land reform legislation has largely ignored the importance of providing special protection to women in granting them fair share of land. Nepal, for example, has a land reform law that pays special attention to the needs and issues of women. It is especially important that any programme of land reform provides for special protection of women, especially those who are managing small farms. Encouraging collective farming through self-help groups, credit schemes and agricultural extension programmes designed for women can help resolve this problem.

Deliberate policy interventions that see a shift in policy in favour of small farm holdings are needed. It has also been suggested by scholars that having a progressive land tax, based on the size of the ownership, could incentivise the sale of some of the larger land possessions. While such options cannot be discounted, they must be examined carefully before steps are taken.