Gopal Italia raises concerns over the Saurashtra Ghar Khed Ganot Act Amendment Bill, demanding strict action against fake farmers and officials. Government rejects proposed amendments.
AAP MLA from Visavadar, Gopal Italia, raised serious concerns regarding the recently passed amendment to the Saurashtra Ghar Khed Ganot Act during a press conference held on the second day of the Gujarat Legislative Assembly session. Italia emphasized that the amendment could adversely affect farmers, agricultural laborers, and landholders across the state if key changes are not considered.
According to Italia, the law originally enacted in 1948 prohibits non-farmers from purchasing agricultural land. However, in recent times, certain individuals have exploited loopholes, presenting themselves as farmers to illegally acquire land using black money, resulting in speculative practices in the agricultural sector. This fraudulent acquisition deprives genuine farmers of their rights and disrupts the agricultural ecosystem in Gujarat.
The government had proposed that anyone purchasing land illegally as a “fake farmer” would face a penalty three times the land’s market value. However, Gopal Italia suggested additional amendments to make the law more stringent:
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Accountability of Officials: Any government officer facilitating illegal farmer accounts should face legal action and strict punishment. Italia highlighted that non-farmers can only register as farmers with government approval, and therefore, officials involved should be held responsible.
Permanent Ban on Fake Farmers: Beyond fines, those who have falsely registered as farmers should be permanently barred from ever obtaining farmer status in the future.
Italia expressed disappointment that the government rejected his proposed amendments. He stated that the bill, passed by the ruling party’s majority, demonstrates a farmer-opposing mindset and could create significant challenges for genuine farmers, agricultural laborers, and landholders in the coming years.
“As the opposition leader, I have voiced my concerns and presented amendments to protect the rights of genuine farmers,” Italia said. “We hope the government revisits these issues and introduces corrective legislation that penalizes fraudulent activities and protects farmers’ rights.”
The MLA warned that without proper amendments, the bill may continue to benefit those exploiting the system, leading to adverse socio-economic impacts across districts including Ahmedabad, Junagadh, Bhavnagar, Surendranagar, Amreli, Dwarka, Gir Somnath, and Botad.
Gopal Italia’s interventions highlight the growing concern over agricultural land rights and the urgent need for reforms to safeguard farmers against fraud and black-market practices.
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