Land Reforms in Odisha

Land reforms in Odisha have been a significant socio-economic measure, aimed at addressing agrarian issues, tenancy rights, and ensuring equitable distribution of land among the marginalized. Odisha has witnessed various land tenure systems, starting from Permanent Settlement to modern initiatives focusing on digitization and land rights security.

Permanent Settlement in Odisha

Introduction

• The Permanent Settlement system was introduced in Odisha in 1803 by the British East India Company, soon after the annexation of Odisha from the Marathas.
• It was implemented primarily in the Coastal belt of Odisha, covering areas like Cuttack, Puri, and Balasore districts.

Salient Features

1. Landlords as Zamindars
   • Zamindars were declared absolute owners of land.
   • They were responsible for collecting land revenue from the peasants and remitting it to the British government.
2. Fixed Revenue
   • The land revenue was fixed in perpetuity, giving certainty to the British in terms of revenue collection.
3. Exploitation of Peasants
   • Peasants or ryots became tenants-at-will, subject to high rents and exploitation by zamindars.
4. Absentee Landlordism
   • Many zamindars stayed away from their lands, appointing middlemen, which led to increased exploitation.

Impact on Odisha

• Economic Drain: The fixed revenue arrangement benefited the British but caused economic hardship for peasants.
• Agricultural Decline: Exploitation by zamindars led to indebtedness and decline in agricultural productivity.
• Land Alienation: Tribal communities in interior Odisha were dispossessed of their lands.

Conclusion

The Permanent Settlement led to the concentration of land in the hands of a few and increased peasant exploitation, laying the groundwork for agrarian discontent in the region.

Mahalwari System in Odisha

Introduction

• The Mahalwari system was introduced in parts of Odisha during the mid-19th century, mainly in western and southern regions.
• The system was more prevalent in areas like Sambalpur and Koraput.

Salient Features

1. Revenue Collection at the Village Level
   • The village or ‘Mahal’ was treated as a revenue unit.
   • Revenue was collected collectively from the entire village community.
2. Role of Village Headmen
   • The village headman acted as the intermediary between the peasants and the colonial government.
3. Temporary Revenue Settlements
   • Revenue was revised periodically, unlike the Permanent Settlement.
4. Assessment Based on Productivity
   • Revenue was fixed on the potential productivity of the land.

Impact on Odisha

• Community Responsibility: The entire village was held responsible for revenue payment.
• Burden on Peasants: Peasants were overburdened as revenue demands were high and often unrealistic.
• Exploitation by Headmen: Village headmen often manipulated records and exploited fellow villagers.

Conclusion

The Mahalwari system was an exploitative system that led to land alienation, indebtedness, and agrarian distress, particularly in tribal areas of Odisha.

Ryotwari System in Odisha

Introduction

• The Ryotwari system was introduced in some princely states of Odisha, particularly in areas under direct British administration, during the 19th century.
• Regions like Ganjam and Koraput were notable for its implementation.

Salient Features

1. Direct Relationship
   • The British government collected revenue directly from the individual cultivator (ryot).
2. Individual Land Ownership
   • The ryots were recognized as proprietors of their land.
3. Assessment Based on Survey
   • Land revenue was assessed based on soil quality, crop productivity, and land surveys.
4. Revisions at Regular Intervals
   • Revenue was revised periodically, generally after 30 years.

Impact on Odisha

• Better Security for Ryots: Provided some sense of ownership, but high revenue demands negated this benefit.
• High Land Revenue: Revenue rates were oppressive, leading to indebtedness.
• Alienation of Tribal Land: Non-tribal moneylenders manipulated the system to acquire tribal lands.

Conclusion

The Ryotwari system in Odisha led to partial recognition of peasant rights, but excessive revenue demands and land alienation harmed the tribal communities and small farmers.

Recent Odisha Initiatives for Land Reform

Introduction

Post-independence, Odisha undertook comprehensive land reforms aimed at ensuring social justice, land redistribution, and securing land rights for tribal communities, small farmers, and the landless poor.

Major Land Reforms and Initiatives

1. Odisha Estate Abolition Act, 1951

   • Abolished Zamindari system and intermediary tenures.
   • Transferred ownership rights to actual cultivators.
   • Land was resumed by the state and redistributed.

2. Odisha Land Reforms Act, 1960

   • Imposed ceiling on landholdings.
   • Prohibited tenancy exploitation and provided tenurial security.
   • Focused on land redistribution among Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and landless farmers.

3. Regulation 2 of 1956 & Regulation 1 of 1956

   • Protected tribal land rights in Scheduled Areas.
   • Prohibited transfer of tribal land to non-tribals.
   • Empowered tribals to reclaim alienated lands.

4. Odisha Survey and Settlement (OSS)

   • Scientific land survey and settlement using modern technologies like GPS and GIS.
   • Issuance of Record of Rights (RoR) under Bhu Naksha Odisha and Bhulekh Odisha portals.

5. Odisha Land Rights to Slum Dwellers Act, 2017

   • Provided land rights to urban slum dwellers.
   • Benefitted over 2 lakh families in 109 towns.
   • Ensured housing security and livelihood support.

6. Mo Jami Mo Dhia Campaign

   • Awareness campaign on land rights, legal aid, and dispute resolution.
   • Focused on simplified processes for mutation, title correction, and inheritance.

7. JAGA Mission (Odisha Liveable Habitat Mission)

   • Recognized as a UN Habitat award winner.
   • World's largest slum land titling project.
   • Provided property rights and basic amenities to slum dwellers.

Impact of Recent Land Reforms

• Empowered Tribals and Marginal Farmers: Strengthened land security and reduced alienation.
• Women’s Land Rights: Promoted joint ownership of land in the names of husband and wife.
• Digitization and Transparency: Reduced corruption and improved land governance.
• Inclusive Development: Enabled urban poor and tribals to access government schemes, bank credit, and housing.

Conclusion

Odisha’s land reform journey has evolved from colonial exploitative systems to modern, inclusive, and technology-driven initiatives. These reforms aim at ensuring equity, justice, and empowerment of marginalized sections, particularly tribal communities, landless poor, and urban slum dwellers.
 

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Subject: Odisha Manthan

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