Previous Year Question
With reference to the measures of Tenancy Reform in India, which of the statements is/are correct?
Regulation of rent
Security of tenure
Conferment of ownership on tenants
Select the correct answer using codes given below:
1 only
1 and 2 only
2 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3
Correct Answer: D
Detailed Solution
Tenancy Reforms in India constituted an important component of land reform programmes. Their objective was to protect tenants from excessive rents, arbitrary eviction, and insecure land rights. After independence, three major measures were identified—regulation of rent, security of tenure, and conferment of ownership rights on tenants.
Statement 1 — Regulation of Rent (Correct). Its objective was to control excessive rents charged by landowners. Under the Five-Year Plans, it was generally recommended that rent should be restricted to one-fifth to one-fourth of the gross agricultural produce. This measure sought to ensure that tenants retained a reasonable share of their agricultural output.
Statement 2 — Security of Tenure (Correct). Its objective was to protect tenants from arbitrary eviction by landowners. Security of tenure provided arrangements allowing tenants to continue cultivating land except under specified legal circumstances. This could create favourable conditions for long-term agricultural investment and increased productivity.
Statement 3 — Conferment of Ownership Rights on Tenants (Correct). Its objective was to transfer land ownership rights to actual cultivators under prescribed legal conditions. In Maharashtra and Gujarat, eligible tenants were deemed owners of the land under relevant legal provisions on 1 April 1957. However, the provisions and implementation of ownership transfers varied according to the land reform laws of different states.