In relief for owners, new rules allow change in use of agricultural land bought before 2020

Bengaluru: People who purchased agricultural land prior to 2020 to set up schools, housing layouts or industries but could not start their projects can now apply to change how the land is used, following new rules notified by the revenue department. Karnataka Land Reforms (Amendment) Rules, 2025, lays down a clear process for approvals by district authorities and the govt. Landowners can now seek govt permission to use their land for purposes other than those originally approved. Under the new rules, district deputy commissioners can examine and decide applications for change of land use for land parcels up to four hectares. However, all proposals from Bengaluru Urban and Bengaluru Rural districts, irrespective of land size, and proposals from other districts involving land above four hectares, will be sent to the govt for approval by a high powered committee (HPC) headed by the chief secretary. Rajender Kumar Kataria, additional chief secretary (revenue), said, earlier, non-agriculturists needed govt permission to buy agricultural land and were required to stick to the approved purpose. "They were required to implement the project within seven years from the date of acquisition, with a possible extension of two years for valid reasons," he said. But many projects could not be executed due to delays in approvals or changes in land-use patterns around the site. "For instance, land acquired for industrial use may later be surrounded by residential development, making it unviable to establish an industry," Kataria said. "In such cases, the amended rules will now allow the landowner to seek permission to use the land for residential or educational purposes." Similarly, if industrial development comes up in an area where land was earlier approved for educational use, the owner can apply to change the land use for industrial purposes. Besides the chief secretary, the HPC will comprise senior officials from revenue, commerce and industries, education, horticulture and urban development departments as members.