Practicing Success

Target Exam

CUET

Subject

Economics

Chapter

Indian Economic Development: Indian Economy:1950-1990

Question:

Which of the following was NOT a hurdle faced by the Indian government in implementing land reforms after the independence?

Options:

The big landlords challenged the legislation in the courts, delaying its implementation.

Landlords used to register their lands in the name of close relatives, thereby escaping from the legislation.

The landowners claimed to be selfcultivators

None of the above

Correct Answer:

None of the above

Explanation:

The abolition of intermediaries resulted in approximately 200 lakh tenants establishing direct contact with the government, freeing them from exploitation by the zamindars. Granting ownership to the tenants provided them with the incentive to increase agricultural output, contributing to growth in the sector. However, while the abolition of intermediaries aimed to achieve equity, it did not fully accomplish this goal.

In some areas, former zamindars found ways to retain ownership of large land areas by exploiting loopholes in the legislation. There were instances where tenants were evicted, and landowners claimed to be self-cultivators, asserting ownership of the land. Even when tillers obtained ownership, the poorest agricultural laborers, such as sharecroppers and landless laborers, did not benefit from the land reforms.

Land ceiling legislation also encountered obstacles. Wealthy landlords contested the legislation in courts, causing delays in its implementation. During this period, they registered their lands under the names of close relatives, thereby evading the legislation. The legislation itself had loopholes that were exploited by large landholders to retain their land holdings.