Agri Affairs National law and legislation”. Part V of the document is on Policy, legal and organizational frameworks related to tenure. The key statement here is that land tenure rights are part of the overall policy framework and constitution. Thus 5.9 reads: “states should recognize that policies and laws on tenure rights operate in the broader political, legal, social, cultural, religious, economic and environmental contexts. Where broader contexts change, and where reforms to tenure are therefore required, states should seek to develop (national) consensus on the proposed reforms”. The next section (part VI) is on Delivery of services - because unless states have a clearly defined implementation procedure and schedule, all the statements referred above have no meaning. Here the Right to Service Act which has been introduced in several states of India, with Bihar, Punjab and Karnataka taking the lead can be a good global exemplar.
India’s example of securing land rights to tenant farmers, and access to credit even for oral lessees was held out as an exemplar of how countries, legislatures and central banking institutions can improve the productive capacities of those engaged in food production. India’s grant of land rights to forest dwellers also came in for acknowledgment and appreciation Last but not the least, was the reference to the rights of Indigenous people on lands which traditionally belonged to them. Here Canada, US and Australia made their statements of pious
intentions, but the main thrust was that all the recommendations were not legally binding –because this issue has very serious implications for them because not only have indigenous peoples land been alienated, their way of agriculture has been completely lost –so much so that even if they wanted to, it would not be possible for them to undertake the venture again. In fine, it was clear that India’s position on land tenure rights, rural development programmes, capitalization of agriculture and the thrust on co-operatives and farmer producer companies to achieve economies of scale and scope are well respected globally, and that it was time for India to share its knowledge and expertise with the world. (The author is Joint Secretary & Mission Director, NHM & NMMI, Union Ministry of Agriculture)
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