Theme T144 · Agriculture & Food

Land reforms, tenancy & land acquisition: from Bhoodan to the 2013 Act

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What UPSC asks

Cross-paper GS1–GS3: success factors of land reforms in some states, land ceiling, effect on small farmers, link with productivity and poverty, contract farming and leasing, LARR Act 2013, and Bhoodan–Gramdan.

Prepare these

• Components: zamindari abolition, tenancy reform, ceiling, consolidation
• Success states: West Bengal (Operation Barga), Kerala
• Model Land Leasing Act, contract farming
• LARR 2013: consent, SIA, compensation
• Bhoodan–Gramdan objectives and results

Answer writing

• Link history with economics

Directive words in these PYQs: Discuss (4), Critically (2), Elaborate (1), Identify (1), Evaluate (1).

Linked themes

Builds on: study these first

These come earlier in the roadmap. Questions in this theme use them.

Syllabus lines covered

• GS1-L4 — Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country.
• GS3-L5 — Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices; Public Distribution System- objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping; issues of buffer stocks and food security; Technology missions; economics of animal-rearing.
• GS3-L7 — Land reforms in India.

All 8 PYQs, newest first

1. GS3202410 marks · 150 wordsGS3-AGR-05-M2024-Q03

   What were the factors responsible for the successful implementation of land reforms in some parts of the country? Elaborate.

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2. GS3202310 marks · 150 wordsGS3-AGR-05-M2023-Q04

   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.

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3. GS32021GS3-AGR-05-M2021-S01

   How did land reforms in some parts of the country help to improve the socio-economic conditions of marginal and small farmers?

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4. GS32016GS3-AGR-05-M2016-S01

   Discuss the role of land reforms in agricultural development Identify the factors that were responsible for the success of land reforms in India.

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5. GS32016GS3-AGR-05-M2016-S03

   In view of the declining average size of land holdings in India which has made agriculture non–viable for a majority of farmers, should contract farming and land leasing be promoted in agriculture? Critically evaluate the pros and cons.

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6. GS32014GS3-AGR-05-M2014-S01

   The Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013 has come into effect from 1st January, 2014. What are the key issues which would get addressed with the Act in place? What implications would it have on industrialization and agriculture in India?

   Also needs: T158 Environmental Impact Assessment & project displacementAlso needs: T51 Tribal identity, rights & developmentCopyReport a typo
7. GS12013GS1-HIS-08-M2013-S01

   Critically discuss the objectives of Bhoodan and Gramdan Movements initiated by Acharya Vinoba Bhave and their success.

   Also needs: T20 Post-independence consolidation: polity, economy, Jai Jawan Jai KisanCopyReport a typo
8. GS32013GS3-AGR-05-M2013-S01

   Establish relationship between land reforms, agriculture productivity and elimination of poverty in the Indian economy. Discuss the difficulties in designing and implementation of agriculture friendly land reforms in India.

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