In an important decision, the state government has empowered district collectors to decide land premium cases up to Rs 15 crore. The earlier limit was Rs 5 crore. The decision is expected to reduce file flow at the revenue department in the secretariat and decrease time taken for approvals.
The revenue department, in a government resolution (GR) said, “Under the Tenancy Act, to convert new tenure land to old tenure land for agriculture or non agricultural purpose, premium approval limit power for the collector was Rs 5 crore till date and for over Rs 5 crore, it was in the powers of the government.
Reducing the time limit for applicants for the said purpose was under the consideration of the government.so by this GR it has been decided to increase premium case deciding powers of the collectors from present jantri value of Rs 5 crore to Rs 15 crore. For over Rs 15 crore, government’s permission will be required. All other instructions will remain same as earlier.’’
The anti-corruption bureau often receives complaints against officers of the revenue department, who seek bribes in land premium-related cases. Moreover, with collectors being given more powers to decide land premium cases, applicants will also save time and money travelling to the secretariat.