Agricultural Land Conversion Simplified: 30-Day Deadline for Approval, Automatic Conversion if Delayed

Bengaluru: The Karnataka government has issued a fresh notification framing new rules under the Karnataka Land Revenue Act, 1964, based on amendments introduced over the last three years. Agricultural Land Conversion Simplified: 30-Day Deadline for Approval, Automatic Conversion if Delayed.

The revised rules aim to simplify land conversion procedures, ease agricultural land purchases, and promote industrial, educational, and renewable energy projects. A key highlight is the fixation of a 30-day deadline for granting permission for land conversion, including deemed (automatic) conversion in certain cases.

According to the new rules, applications for land conversion submitted online must be disposed of by the respective Deputy Commissioners within 30 days. If the submitted documents are found to be incomplete or incorrect, officials may reject the application by clearly stating valid reasons.

However, if no decision is taken within the stipulated time, the land will be considered automatically converted. The government believes this provision will significantly reduce delays, red tape, and unnecessary visits to government offices.

Land parcels falling within approved master plans have been exempted from the land conversion process. Owners of such lands can directly apply for planning approvals without seeking separate conversion permissions.

In another major reform, land conversion has been waived for setting up renewable energy units, provided mandatory approval is obtained from the Energy Department. This move is expected to accelerate investments in solar, wind, and other clean energy projects across the state.

To encourage industrial growth, especially small and medium enterprises, the government has allowed the use of up to two acres of agricultural land for industrial purposes without requiring land conversion.

Similarly, educational institutions have also been exempted from the land conversion requirement, which is likely to facilitate faster establishment of schools, colleges, and training centers.

The notification also introduces clear rules for the functioning of revenue courts. Restrictions have been imposed to ensure that sub-divisional officers’ courts do not exceed their jurisdiction or issue orders in violation of the law.

Revenue court proceedings will now be conducted online, enabling citizens to participate in hearings virtually. Digital orders for revenue dispute judgments have been made mandatory, enhancing transparency and accountability.

Additionally, land security surveys have been given statutory backing under the revised framework. Speaking after a monthly progress review meeting of Deputy Commissioners’ offices, Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda announced that 1.10 lakh title deeds will be distributed in February 2026 to residents of tandas, hattis, and gollarahattis.

He stated that following amendments to the revenue village law in 2017, title deeds were issued to 1.08 lakh residents over six years. Between 2023 and 2025 alone, 1.11 lakh title deeds have already been distributed.

The minister explained that undocumented residential layouts and houses have been identified, surveys completed, and records prepared. Title deeds are being issued and registered similar to sale deeds, followed by the issuance of permanent property records by local bodies, granting complete ownership rights.

Notably, revenue officials proactively visited households to collect documents and prepare title deeds without waiting for formal applications.“This is the first time comprehensive amendments have been introduced after the Act came into force. These new rules will pave the way for administrative simplification and citizen-friendly governance,” the minister said.

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