Land Reforms Bill Sent for Deeper Review: Himachal Assembly Calls for Wider Debate

On the closing day of the winter session, the Himachal Pradesh Assembly witnessed rare consensus across party lines as lawmakers agreed that the proposed Land Reforms Amendment Bill‑2025 needs closer scrutiny. The bill, which seeks to tweak Section 118 of the Himachal Pradesh Tenancy and Land Reforms Act, has now been referred to a Select Committee for detailed examination.

The move came after BJP MLA Randhir Sharma raised concerns about the amendments, urging the government to allow wider discussion. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu accepted the suggestion, and Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania announced that the committee will include members from both ruling and opposition benches. The panel is expected to present its findings during the upcoming budget session.

Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, who introduced the bill, assured the House that Section 118 is not being diluted. He explained that the changes would allow rural buildings to be leased for up to ten years, aligning rural rules with existing urban provisions. He also clarified that properties already purchased with approval under Section 118 would not require fresh permission for resale.

While the government emphasized that the amendments are necessary to access benefits under certain Central schemes, opposition voices cautioned against unintended consequences. Sharma warned that leasing rural properties could pave the way for commercial ventures like homestays by outsiders, potentially altering the cultural fabric of Himachal’s villages.

With the bill now under committee review, the debate over balancing development with tradition is set to continue into the budget session.