Maharashtra Govt Considering Relief in Land Conversion Charges for Ex-Servicemen
Mumbai, 11th March 2026: The Government of Maharashtra is examining the possibility of granting relief in conversion charges on land allotted to ex-servicemen, Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule informed the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly.
The issue was raised during a question by Sumit Wankhede, MLA from the Arvi constituency, who highlighted the financial burden faced by former soldiers when converting their allotted land from Occupant Class-II to Class-I status.
Bawankule said the state government had issued draft rules on January 14, 2026, through an official gazette notification concerning the conversion of Occupant Class-II lands to Class-I under the Maharashtra Agricultural Lands (Ceiling on Holdings) Act.
As per the proposed provisions, landholders are required to pay 50 per cent of the assessed land value as a conversion premium to change the land status to Class-I ownership. The valuation is calculated based on the government’s annual ready reckoner rates.
The minister clarified that this provision currently applies uniformly, including to lands allotted to ex-servicemen.
The proposal has drawn concern from several quarters, with demands being raised that former soldiers should be granted concessions or exemptions in the conversion premium.
Representatives have argued that imposing the same 50 per cent charge on ex-servicemen creates a significant financial burden despite their service to the nation.
Bawankule informed the House that the government had invited public objections and suggestions on the draft rules. Responses were accepted until February 11, 2026, after which the authorities began reviewing the feedback received.
He said the government is now in the process of preparing the final notification, and the proposal to provide relief or concessions in conversion charges for ex-servicemen is currently under consideration.
