On Wednesday, the Uttar Pradesh state assembly passed the Uttar Pradesh Nazul Properties (Management and Utilization for Public Purposes) Bill, 2024, amid strong objections from both opposition groups and members of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The bill was quickly referred to a select committee following its passage.
What is the Uttar Pradesh Nazul Properties Bill, 2024?
The Uttar Pradesh Nazul Properties (Management and Utilization for Public Purposes) Bill, 2024, aims to regulate Nazul land—government-owned land not directly managed as state property—by preventing its conversion into private ownership. The bill stipulates that any court proceedings or applications for transferring Nazul land to private individuals or institutions will be canceled. Payments made in anticipation of ownership changes will be refunded with interest calculated at the State Bank of India’s Marginal Cost of Funds Based Lending Rate (MCLR) from the deposit date.
The bill also allows the government to extend leases for current leaseholders in good standing, ensuring that those who comply with lease terms and regularly pay rent can continue using the land while maintaining its status as government property. The goal is to streamline Nazul land management and prevent unauthorized privatization.
Why BJP MLAs Are Against the Bill
BJP MLA Harshvardhan Bajpai from Prayagraj was among the first to voice objections to the bill, arguing that it unfairly impacts families living in long-standing slum areas. “If the government takes one or two properties, it won’t make much difference. But think about those living in one or two-room slums, some of whom have been there since the British era. On one hand, we are providing housing under the PM Awas Yojna, and on the other hand, we are telling thousands of families to leave. This is unjust,” Bajpai said.
Bajpai further illustrated his point with an example of a homemaker whose house is located on a small plot. He emphasized that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has advocated for clear property rights, suggesting that the bill contradicts this vision. Despite being advised by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Suresh Khanna to review the bill more thoroughly, Bajpai argued that the law should include provisions for converting Nazul land into freehold.
BJP MLA Sidharth Nath Singh, also from Prayagraj, echoed Bajpai’s concerns, suggesting that the bill should consider suggestions for lease renewals for those with legitimate claims to Nazul land.
Jansatta Dal Loktantrik MLA Raghuraj Pratap Singh criticized the bill, stating that its potential consequences are significant. He questioned whether even high-profile properties, such as those owned by the High Court, would be affected. Singh appealed to the government to reconsider the bill.
Anil Tripathi of the Nishad Party called for an amendment to the bill and supported its referral to the select committee. Congress MLA Aradhana Mishra Mona labeled the bill anti-people, arguing that it would lead to widespread homelessness and misuse of land currently occupied by government offices and hospitals.
Opposition and Government Response
Members of the Samajwadi Party protested by staging a dharna and demanding the bill’s withdrawal. In response, State Parliamentary Affairs Minister Suresh Khanna assured the House that the bill provides relief for economically weaker sections. He emphasized that Nazul land belongs to the government under the Constitution and that people who have complied with lease conditions will not lose their property. The bill, Khanna stated, aims to protect government interests and ensure land availability for public use and development.
Bill Sent to Select Committee
Following its passage in the assembly, the bill was sent to a select committee after concerns were raised by BJP legislators. A meeting involving Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, BJP state president Bhupendra Chaudhary, and Deputy CMs Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak led to the decision to refer the bill to the committee. The select committee, consisting of BJP MLCs and allies, is expected to report back in two months.
Need for the Nazul Property Bill
Khanna highlighted the urgent need for the bill to facilitate land use for public development. He explained that acquiring land through traditional means incurs significant costs and delays. The bill aims to streamline the management of Nazul land, which has been subject to various claims and legal disputes, by reclaiming it for public use and development.
Despite the ongoing debate and opposition, the UP Assembly passed the Nazul Properties Bill, promising relief for the economically weaker sections of society.
