NAZOOL LAND Syllabus GS Paper 1 & 3 – History & Economy)

Context: Recently, violence erupted in Uttarakhand’s Haldwani district after the administration conducted a demolition drive at the site of a mosque and madrasa, allegedly on Nazool land, killing five and injuring many more.

Nazool Land

• About: It is owned by the government but most often not directly administered as state property. 
• Allotted: The state generally allots such land to any entity on lease for a fixed period, generally between 15 and 99 years.
• Government Discretion: The government holds the authority to decide whether to renew or cancel the lease, ultimately leading to the repossession of Nazool land.
• Nazool Land Allocation Across India: Nazool land has been allocated to various entities for diverse purposes in nearly all major cities across India.
• Nazool land governed: While several states have brought in government orders for the purpose of framing rules for Nazool land, The Nazool Lands (Transfer) Rules, 1956 is the law mostly used for Nazool land adjudication.
• Government use Nazool land: The government generally uses Nazool land for public purposes like building schools, hospitals, Gram Panchayat buildings, etc.

How did Nazool land emerge?

• British Colonial Era: Kings and kingdoms opposing British rule engaged in frequent revolts and battles against the British Army.

oBritish victories often resulted in the confiscation of lands from defeated rulers.

• Post-Independence Transition: After India gained independence, the British vacated the seized lands.
• State Government Ownership: Lands without clear ownership documentation were categorized as Nazool lands. These lands were then designated for ownership by the respective state governments.