Guidelines on Tamil Nadu Land Reforms (Disposal of Surplus Land) Rules, 1965 for Assignment of Surplus Land and Reservation of Surplus Lands for Public Purpose
The Tamil Nadu Land Reforms Department, through Ref.No. B1/3643/2015 (L.Ref) dated 9 September 2015, issued administrative guidelines to District Collectors, Sub Collectors and Revenue Divisional Officers outside Chennai for assigning surplus land under the Tamil Nadu Land Reforms (Disposal of Surplus Land) Rules, 1965. The guidelines explain the application, enquiry, assignment, payment, deed, subdivision, possession and land-record procedures that the assigning authorities must follow.
Purpose and coverage
The Tamil Nadu Land Reforms Department issued Ref.No. B1/3643/2015 (L.Ref), dated 9 September 2015, after Land Reforms units were formed in all Collectorates except Chennai. Sub Collectors and Revenue Divisional Officers act as the Assigning Authority for surplus land and must follow the Tamil Nadu Land Reforms (Disposal of Surplus Land) Rules, 1965, including when assigning, cancelling or reassigning surplus land.
The guidance affects applicants for surplus land, successful assignees and officers responsible for enquiries, payments, surveys, possession and revenue records.
Application and enquiry process
The Assigning Authority must maintain the Master Register IV in Form A, recording the surplus land, owner, village, survey number, classification, extent and progress of assignment.
Key steps include:
- A Form B notice inviting applications must be displayed at the Village Administrative Officer office and relevant revenue and local body offices, and announced by beat of tom-tom.
- Applicants must submit Form C to the Sub Collector or Revenue Divisional Officer within 30 days from publication of the Form B notice.
- Form C is supplied by the Assigning Authority for Rs.2, with an office seal and serial number.
- After the application period, a Form D notice must fix the enquiry date.
- The enquiry must include a field enquiry and may be conducted by a Revenue Department officer not below the rank of Revenue Inspector.
Eligibility and assignment limits
Eligible categories include certain persons dispossessed or whose holdings were reduced by a surplus declaration, landless agricultural labourers, members of the Armed Forces, repatriates from Burma or Sri Lanka, qualifying cultivating tenants and cooperative farming societies whose members are landless agricultural labourers.
The maximum assignment to one person is:
- 3 acres of dry land, or
- 1.50 acres of wet land.
If a male applies, the assignment order must be issued in the name of the female member of his family. Rejected applicants must receive the order with specific reasons.
Payment, deed and land records
An assignee must pay the value fixed for the assigned land. Payment may be made in one lump sum or in equal instalments not exceeding 20, with interest on an instalment unpaid by its due date. The annual due date is 10 March.
After full payment or the first instalment, Form F must be executed and subdivision records prepared. Once the Tahsildar approves those records, the village and taluk accounts, computer chitta and Tamil Nilam must show the assignment conditions, and possession must be handed to the assignee.
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
Does this guidance apply in Chennai district?
No. Ref.No. B1/3643/2015 (L.Ref) is addressed to District Collectors, Sub Collectors and Revenue Divisional Officers outside Chennai.
How long do I have to apply after surplus land is advertised?
A Form C application must be presented to the Sub Collector or Revenue Divisional Officer within 30 days from publication of the Form B notice.
What is the maximum surplus land that can be assigned to one person?
The maximum is 3 acres of dry land or 1.50 acres of wet land.
When will possession and revenue records be updated?
After full payment or the first instalment, the assignment deed and subdivision process must be completed. Following approval of the subdivision records, the Tahsildar must update the relevant accounts and hand possession to the assignee.
