Question : LAND MANAGEMENT



(a) whether the Gross Domestic Product of the country is declining due to certain flows in land management;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the Government thereto; and

(c) the steps taken by the Government to overcome these flows?

Answer given by the minister

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI KANTI LAL BHURIA)

(a) to (c): The total Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country at constant (1999-00) prices showed an increase in growth rates from 7.5 percent during 2004-05, to 9.0 percent in 2005-06 and to 9.2 percent (advance estimate) during 2006-07 according to the latest estimates of National Accounts released by Central Statistical Organization (CSO). This suggests that certain flows in the use of land in the country do not have direct effect on total GDP growth of the country. However, land management is a State subject and Union Government plays advisory role in this regard. There are legislative provisions in the States that restrict the conversion of agricultural land to non-agricultural purposes. National Land Use Policy Outlines focuses, inter-alia, on land use planning in the States through Land Use Boards.