📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Ministry of Finance of India
Politics
West Bengal Finance Minister Calls for Abolition of Urban Land Act
✍️ The Economic Times
🗓 02 Oct 2026, 08:37 PM
👁 12
West Bengal's finance minister has urged the state government to scrap the Urban Land (Acquisition and Transfer of Land) Act, citing its outdated provisions and impact on development.
The finance minister of West Bengal has publicly called for the abolition of the Urban Land (Acquisition and Transfer of Land) Act, arguing that the legislation is outdated and hampers urban development. The minister highlighted that the act’s provisions create uncertainty for investors and delay essential infrastructure projects. He urged the state government to consider alternative land‑acquisition frameworks that balance public interest with private investment.
The Urban Land Act, enacted in 2013, was intended to streamline land acquisition for urban projects. However, critics have pointed out that its stringent conditions and lengthy approval processes have led to stalled developments and increased costs. The minister’s statement reflects growing frustration among developers and city planners.
While the finance minister’s remarks have drawn attention to the need for reform, no official response from the state government has been released yet. The call for change is expected to spark debate among policymakers, real‑estate stakeholders, and local communities about the future of land‑acquisition laws in West Bengal.
The Urban Land Act, enacted in 2013, was intended to streamline land acquisition for urban projects. However, critics have pointed out that its stringent conditions and lengthy approval processes have led to stalled developments and increased costs. The minister’s statement reflects growing frustration among developers and city planners.
While the finance minister’s remarks have drawn attention to the need for reform, no official response from the state government has been released yet. The call for change is expected to spark debate among policymakers, real‑estate stakeholders, and local communities about the future of land‑acquisition laws in West Bengal.