Maha eases conversion of agri ceiling lands, cuts curbs on farmers’ holdings

Nagpur: The Maharashtra govt on Tuesday notified a key reform to simplify the conversion of ceiling-allotted agricultural land from Occupant Class II to Occupant Class I, a move expected to ease restrictions on landholders and streamline transactions.Revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule said the new rules, published in the state gazette on May 4, will benefit farmers holding land distributed under the Maharashtra Agricultural Lands (Ceiling on Holdings) Act, 1961. A final notification has been issued after inviting objections and suggestions on the draft, he said.Under the Maharashtra Agricultural Lands (Ceiling on Holdings) Conversion Rules, 2026, only lands allotted under the ceiling framework are eligible. A minimum of 10 years must have elapsed since allotment, and there should be no violation of original terms and conditions. In cases where violations exist, they must first be regularised before applying.Applicants must submit a detailed proposal to district collector along with complete documentation. Authorities will verify the application, land use, and compliance with allotment conditions within three months. A final order is to be issued within 15 days after verification.The conversion premium will be calculated based on the market value as per the ready reckoner rates. For lands valued up to ₹50 lakh, decisions will be taken at the district level, while cases exceeding ₹50 lakh will require prior approval from the state govt.Once a demand notice is issued, the premium must be paid within three months, failing which the application may be cancelled. Authorities will also conduct independent scrutiny in cases involving unauthorised transfers or changes without prior approval. Post-conversion, the land will be recorded as Occupant Class I and treated as free from ceiling-related restrictions. Officials said the decision is expected to reduce regulatory constraints, facilitate smoother land transactions, and enhance state revenue.The reform comes amid broader efforts to rationalise land regulations in line with evolving agricultural and economic needs at both state and national levels, as per the revenue officials.# EASING CONVERSION OF CEILING LANDS* Occupant Class II lands can now be upgraded to Class I* Applies only to land allotted under ceiling law framework* Minimum 10 years must pass since original land allotment* No violation of allotment terms; else prior regularisation required* Applications to be filed before district collector with documents* Verification timeline fixed at three months* Final decision to be issued within 15 days after scrutiny* Premium based on ready reckoner market value rates* Payment of premium mandatory within three months* Converted land becomes restriction-free, easing transactions