The Rajasthan Land Revenue Act of 1956 is the foundational legislation governing land rights, revenue administration, and agricultural record-keeping in Rajasthan. It establishes the state’s Revenue Courts, outlines procedures for the partition of estates, sets guidelines for land surveys, and provides a framework for converting agricultural land for other uses.
Key features of the Act include:
- Board of Revenue: Establishes the Board of Revenue as the highest revenue court in the state. It handles appeals, revisions, and references while overseeing all subordinate revenue officers.
- Hierarchy of Officers: Defines the duties and administrative powers of revenue courts and officers—including Divisional Commissioners, Collectors, Sub-Divisional Officers (SDOs), Tehsildars, and Patwaris.
- Survey and Records: Sets the legal framework for the maintenance of village maps, field books, and the Record of Rights (Khasra and Khewat) to establish ownership and boundaries.
- Land Classification and Use: Dictates how land can be categorized (e.g., agricultural, pasture, or abadi/residential) and defines public trust resources like grazing lands.
- Conversion of Land: Contains key stipulations like Section 90A, which mandates that agricultural land cannot be used for industrial or other non-agricultural purposes without obtaining formal conversion from the competent authority.
- Collection of Revenue: Outlines the legal methods, schedules, and authorities responsible for collecting land revenue and other public demands.