In order to recognise sharecroppers and protect their rights, the State Government has planned to bring a new land leasing Act soon.
Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Bijayshree Routray on Monday, after an attending a meeting of the Inter-Ministerial group on the issue here, told reporters that if a new law cannot be formulated, amendments would be made to existing laws.
“The sharecroppers are deprived of various benefits. Hence, we are proposing to have a land leasing Act, through which they will get the benefit of crop insurance, compensation in case of crop loss and all other benefits provided by the State Government,” said Routray, adding that landowners have been getting these benefits.
He said suggestions would be taken from landowners and sharecroppers on the proposed Act through the tehsildars.
“These suggestions would be collected within a span of three weeks. A special form will be prepared for the purpose. We will seek suggestions from at least 50 sharecroppers and landowners from each tehsil. The tehsildar will examine their reports and send us. later, another meeting of the Inter-Ministerial Committee will be convened to take a final call on formulation of a new law,” said Routray.
The Minister, however, said it has not yet been decided whether a new Act would be formulated or amendments would be made to the existing legislation. He said officials who have examined the law for farmers in Andhra Pradesh have submitted their reports.
“Whatever is better for the farmers will be done. We are now examining every aspect and will take a final decision soon,” said Routray.