Reconciliation Scheme for Exchange of Agricultural Land in Lieu of Registration Fee and Stamp Duty Implemented in Maharashtra

Pune, April 19, 2023: The Inspector General of Stamps, Hiralal Sonwane, announced that a new scheme called “Salokha Yojana” has been implemented in the state of Maharashtra.

This scheme provides an opportunity for farmers to exchange their agricultural land in lieu of a nominal registration fee of Rs 1,000 and a stamp duty of Rs 1,000. The aim of the scheme is to resolve disputes between farmers regarding land ownership and possession, promote harmony in society and increase peace and harmony among them. The scheme will be valid for the next two years.

Under this scheme, farmers can exchange their agricultural land with other farmers if the land of the first farmer is in possession of the second farmer and vice versa for at least 12 years. The Mandal Officer and Talathi will record the ownership and possession of the farmers holding land in the same village in a prescribed Panchnama Register. The parties should attach this Panchnama to the Deed at the time of registration of the Deed of Exchange.

The scheme also has key terms and conditions that should be met for eligibility. The scheme is applicable only to agricultural land and not to non-agricultural, residential and commercial land. Cases of exchange of possession of agricultural land of the first farmer to the second farmer and vice versa will not be eligible for exemption of stamp duty and registration fee.

According to the government decision dated January 3, 2023, 26 cases have been registered in the state till April 11. Citizens had to pay stamp duty and registration fee of Rs. 26 thousand each. Without this scheme, farmers would have had to pay stamp duty of Rs. 38 lakh 96 thousand 183 and registration fee of Rs. 4 lakh 95 thousand 839 for these 26 cases alone.

If any of the parties have exchanged land before the implementation of the Salokha Scheme or have already paid stamp duty and registration fee for the exchange deed, the same will not be refunded. However, if the land of both the parties has already been declared as a piece, the names can be changed according to the facts of the deed, by adding a copy of the certified group book to the deed and registering the deed of exchange.

This scheme is expected to benefit farmers in resolving land disputes and promoting harmony in society.