Bhoodan Lands
Bhoodan Lands is official guidance explaining how land donated to the Bhoodan movement is confirmed, registered in favour of the Tamil Nadu Bhoodan Board, recorded, distributed and managed under the Tamil Nadu Bhoodan Yagna Act, 1958 and its rules. The supplied text does not identify an issuing department, government order number or publication date.
What the guidance covers
Bhoodan Lands describes the administration of land donated to the Bhoodan movement and regularised in the name of the Tamil Nadu Bhoodan Board. It records that 28,050 acres were donated, 20,494 acres were allotted and 7,556 acres remained pending.
The Tamil Nadu Bhoodan Board administers these lands. Its listed membership includes the Minister for Khadi as Chairman, the Director of Land Reforms as Member Secretary, the Commissioner of Land Reforms as Special Invitee, government officials and ten non-official members.
Donation and confirmation
The donation process includes the following steps:
- The donor makes a declaration in Form I.
- Declaration details are published in Tamil in the District Gazette and in English in the State Gazette, using Form IV.
- For a donation made before 16 July 1958, the declaration is published in Form VII.
- Objections may be filed within two months of the donation declaration.
- The Tahsildar or Deputy Tahsildar conducts an inquiry and either confirms the donation or declares it null and void.
- Where objections are received, an order must be passed within three months from their receipt.
- A confirmation order is published in the District Gazette and State Gazette.
Registration and land records
A copy of the confirmation order is sent to the relevant Sub Registrar to register the donated land in favour of the Tamil Nadu Bhoodan Board. No registration fee is payable, and no officer representing the Board needs to appear personally. Once registered, the land vests in the Board and village accounts must be changed to its name.
Allotment and restrictions
Bhoodan land may be allotted for agriculture or house sites to landless poor persons whose annual income does not exceed Rs.25,000. It may also be allotted to the Government or a local authority for community purposes. The Government may allot it to a person or institution for a public purpose on payment of double the market value.
An allottee cannot sell, otherwise dispose of or rent out the land. Government dues and Board loan instalments must be paid, and the land must be used for its allotted purpose within three years. Breach may result in cancellation and resumption by the Board.
Exchange of donated land
The Government may permit a donor or legal heir to offer alternate land of equivalent value. The alternate land must be transferable, free from encumbrances and government dues, and the original donated land must not already have been assigned.
This summary is generated from the source document to help you find what is relevant. The PDF above is authoritative. For advice on your own property, use LandLens One or speak to a qualified professional.
Common questions
Can I buy Bhoodan land from an allottee?
The guidance says an allottee has no right to sell or otherwise dispose of Bhoodan land. The land also cannot be rented out.
When does donated land vest in the Tamil Nadu Bhoodan Board?
The land vests in the Tamil Nadu Bhoodan Board upon registration in the Board's favour. Village accounts must then be changed to record the Board.
Who can receive Bhoodan land?
Bhoodan land may be allotted for agriculture or a house site to a landless poor person whose annual income does not exceed Rs.25,000. It may also be allotted for community or public purposes in the circumstances described in the guidance.
Can a donor replace donated land with another property?
The Government may permit an exchange offered by the donor or the donor's legal heirs. The alternate land must be of equivalent value, free from encumbrances and outstanding government or authority dues, and capable of being transferred by the person offering it.
