Answer:

Land ceiling refers to fixing the maximum size of a land holding that an individual or a family can own. The surplus land may then be appropriated and distributed according to the law. By the end of 1961, as per the directions from the centre, most of the states passed their land ceiling acts.

Rationale behind ceiling on agricultural land holdings:

♤ Largely the rationale behind ceiling on agricultural land holdings aligned with the objectives in the provisions of the Directive Principles of State Policy delineated in Articles 38 and 39 (c) of the constitution.

♤ To reduce the exploitation of the landless tenant farmers.

♤ To reduce concentration of wealth in the hands of a few.

♤ To promote of social justice by reducing the inequality in power and fostering cooperation among the people.

The impact of land ceiling on agricultural productivity has engendered a debate that can be understood through following arguments: