State the objectives and measures of land reforms in India. Discuss how land ceiling policy on landholding can be considered as an effective reform under economic criteria. (150 words)

Objectives

• End intermediaries, secure tenancy, redistribute surplus land and reduce concentration.
• Promote equity, productivity, investment and social justice in rural areas.

Measures

Abolition of zamindari, tenancy regulation, consolidation, cooperative farming, ceiling legislation, land-record modernisation and digitisation constitute the principal measures.

Economic case for ceilings

• Redistribution to landless households can improve livelihood security and asset ownership.
• Small family farms often use labour intensively, diversify production and reduce underutilisation of large holdings.
• It prevents speculative concentration and supports inclusive access to institutional credit.

Limitations and reform

Benami transfers, exemptions, litigation and fragmented plots weakened outcomes. Transparent GIS-linked records, tenancy recognition, aggregation through FPOs and productive support can make ceilings effective.

Keywords

zamindari abolition; tenancy; redistribution; ceilings; land records