The Punjab Land Revenue Act, 1887 is a comprehensive legislation that governs the land revenue administration in the Punjab province of India.
Salient Features of Punjab Land Revenue Act, 1887
- Land Revenue Administration: The Act provides for the establishment of a revenue administration system to regulate the collection of land revenue and the maintenance of land records.
- Classification of Land: The Act classifies land into various categories, such as Khudkasht, Shamlat, and Banjar, based on its fertility, quality, and ownership.
- Revenue Officials: The Act provides for the appointment of various revenue officials, such as the Collector, Tehsildar, Patwari, and Village Officer, among others, to administer the land revenue system.
- Revenue Courts: The Act establishes revenue courts, such as the Board of Revenue, Revenue Tribunal, and Assistant Collector, to resolve disputes related to land revenue administration.
- Assessment of Land Revenue: The Act provides for the assessment of land revenue based on the classification of land, its fertility, and other relevant factors.
- Collection of Land Revenue: The Act provides for the collection of land revenue by the revenue officials, such as the Patwari and Tehsildar, and its deposit in the government treasury.
- Maintenance of Land Records: The Act provides for the maintenance of land records, including the Khasra Girdawari, Mutation Register, and other relevant records, to ensure the accuracy of land ownership and revenue collection.
- Land Acquisition: The Act provides for the acquisition of land by the government for public purposes, such as the construction of roads, railways, and other infrastructure projects.
- Settlement of Revenue Disputes: The Act provides for the settlement of revenue disputes through various mechanisms, such as the Revenue Courts, mediation, and arbitration.
- Protection of Tenants: The Act provides for the protection of tenants, including the tenant farmers, sharecroppers, and other occupants, from eviction and exploitation.