Aims and Objectives of the U.P. Revenue Code, 2006

The Uttar Pradesh Revenue Code, 2006 is a comprehensive legislation that consolidates and rationalizes the various laws relating to land revenue, land tenure, and allied matters in Uttar Pradesh. It replaced multiple older laws to bring uniformity and clarity to revenue administration in the state. Below is a detailed explanation of the U.P. Revenue Code, 2006, along with its aims and objectives:

The U.P. Revenue Code, 2006 (Act No. 8 of 2012) was enacted to streamline the state's land and revenue laws. It came into force on November 11, 2015.

The Code consolidates several previous enactments, such as:

• The U.P. Zamindari Abolition and Land Reforms Act, 1950.
• The U.P. Land Revenue Act, 1901.
• The U.P. Consolidation of Holdings Act, 1953.
• The U.P. Tenancy Act, 1939.

Aims and Objectives of the U.P. Revenue Code, 2006

The U.P. Revenue Code was introduced with specific aims and objectives, which include:

1. Consolidation of Laws

Objective: To unify and consolidate fragmented laws governing land tenure, revenue collection, and administration.

Rationale: Prior to the Code, multiple acts created confusion due to overlapping provisions. Consolidation ensures a single-point reference for land and revenue matters.

2. Simplification of Revenue Administration

Objective: To simplify procedures related to land records, revenue collection, and dispute resolution.

Impact: Reduced bureaucratic hurdles and enhanced transparency in revenue matters.

3. Promotion of Equity

Objective: To ensure social and economic equity by protecting the rights of small and marginal farmers, tenants, and landless laborers.

Example: Provisions for safeguarding the rights of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and weaker sections in land ownership and transactions.

4. Efficient Land Management

Objective: To improve land management through better record-keeping and prevention of illegal encroachments or misuse of agricultural land.

Key Mechanism: Digitization of land records and mandatory registration of land transactions.

5. Dispute Resolution

Objective: To provide a clear legal framework for resolving disputes related to land ownership, boundaries, tenancy, and other revenue matters.

Special Courts: Revenue courts are established under the Code to handle such disputes effectively.

6. Encouragement of Agricultural Productivity

Objective: To consolidate fragmented agricultural holdings and promote scientific farming practices.

Provisions: Encouraging land consolidation, preventing fragmentation, and promoting proper utilization of agricultural land.

7. Protection of Agricultural Land

Objective: To protect agricultural land from being used for non-agricultural purposes without appropriate permissions.

Restrictions: Conversion of agricultural land is regulated under the Code.

8. Encouragement of Transparency

Objective: To enhance transparency in revenue administration and land transactions.

Impact: Helps in reducing corruption and ensuring timely justice to stakeholders.

Key Features of the U.P. Revenue Code, 2006

1. Classification of Land Holders:

Bhumidhar with transferable rights: Full ownership rights, including the ability to sell, mortgage, or gift the land.

Bhumidhar with non-transferable rights: Limited ownership rights; land cannot be sold or transferred without government permission.

Asami: Temporary leaseholders or tenants.

2. Land Use Regulation:

Prohibits the unauthorized use of agricultural land for non-agricultural purposes.

Mandates government approval for land conversion.

3. Land Consolidation:

Encourages consolidation of holdings to prevent fragmentation and increase agricultural efficiency.

4. Revenue Courts:

Establishment of a hierarchy of revenue courts to handle disputes and appeals.

5. Land Records Management:

Digitization of land records to improve accuracy and accessibility.

Mandates regular updating of revenue records.

6. Protection of Weaker Sections:

Prohibits the transfer of land belonging to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes without prior government approval.

7. Dispute Resolution:

Clearly defines the jurisdiction and powers of revenue officers and courts for quick resolution of land-related disputes.

Benefits of the U.P. Revenue Code, 2006

Unified Legal Framework: Eliminates inconsistencies and conflicts between older laws.

Ease of Administration: Simplifies revenue processes and enhances efficiency.

Legal Clarity: Provides a clear and structured approach to land tenure and revenue matters.

Social Justice: Empowers marginalized communities by safeguarding their rights in land ownership and tenancy.

Modernization: Facilitates digitization and modernization of land records, reducing manual errors and corruption.