The Maharashtra government has decided to return 4,849 acres of farmland to its original owners or their heirs by amending Section 220 of the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code, 1966. These lands have been under the government’s possession as the owners were unable to clear certain taxes on the said land. There is a provision to return such lands within 12 years time if the dues are cleared, there is however, no provision to return such land after the expiry of 12 years.

Accordingly, the government has decided to amend the related section and return the land belonging to small and marginal farmers at 25 percent of the prevalent market value.