The constitutional power to enact laws with respect to land tenure and land revenue lies with ______.

The correct answer is 'State Government only'

Key Points

• Constitutional Power with Respect to Land Tenure and Land Revenue:
  • The subject of land tenure and land revenue falls under the State List as per the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
  • The Seventh Schedule divides subjects of legislation into three lists: Union List (List I), State List (List II), and Concurrent List (List III). Land-related matters such as land tenure, land revenue, and rights in land are included in the State List.
  • This means that only state governments have the power to enact laws and make decisions regarding these matters, ensuring regional autonomy in land administration.
  • States can legislate on issues such as revenue collection, land reforms, tenancy laws, and land records management, which are crucial for socio-economic development and governance.

Additional Information

• Analysis of Incorrect Options:
  • Local Bodies:
    • While local bodies such as Panchayats and Municipalities play a role in managing local land records and implementing state policies, they do not have the constitutional power to enact laws on land tenure or land revenue. Their functions are limited to administration and execution, as defined by state legislation.
  • Both State and Union Governments:
    • Land tenure and land revenue are not included in the Concurrent List, which contains subjects where both the Union and State Governments can legislate. Therefore, this option is incorrect.
  • Union Government only:
    • The Union Government has no jurisdiction over land tenure and land revenue as these matters are exclusively reserved for states under the State List. The Union Government can legislate on land-related matters only if they are part of Union List subjects, such as defense or national-level projects.
• Importance of State Autonomy in Land Matters:
  • This autonomy allows states to address region-specific issues such as land reforms, agricultural productivity, and the socio-economic needs of their population.
  • By ensuring that land administration remains a state subject, the Constitution respects India’s federal structure and diversity in land use patterns across states.