Bawankule hints at major land law reform, amend plot size restrictions
Speaking to reporters in Delhi, he said, "We are bringing a law that will permit one-guntha plot development in residential areas. Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has already directed necessary amendments to the land fragmentation act, and we are initiating the next phase of reforms."
The move is expected to unlock the real estate potential of smaller parcels of land deemed undevelopable under the existing law.
Bawankule said the Mahayuti govt has so far taken 17–18 key decisions under the revenue department, with implementation already underway.
The minister also said the govt is working on two other legislative measures during the same session, 'One State One Registration' and the provision of vertical ownership rights for high-rise properties, which aim to simplify property transactions and clarify title ownership in urban settings.
Bawankule, who was in Delhi to meet Union power minister Manohar Lal Khattar, discussed the rehabilitation of residents from Kumbhari village in Mauda taluka near Nagpur. The village falls within the NTPC project area, and Bawankule urged that resettlement of affected households be done in the same manner as agricultural land acquisition. "Houses too must be rehabilitated on par with farms," he said.
Reiterating the govt's commitment to promoting the Marathi language, the minister said, "All proceedings of the Maharashtra legislature are conducted in Marathi, and so are all signboards.
Marathi remains at the centre of official communication."
On Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 11-year tenure, Bawankule emphasised the transformation in women's representation across institutions. "From local bodies to Rashtrapati Bhavan, Modi has ensured that women are brought into the mainstream. No other govt has implemented such extensive initiatives for women's empowerment," he said. He credited the prime minister with championing 33% reservation for women in Parliament and state legislatures, calling it a historic step in strengthening their participation in governance.
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Congratulating Shringla on his nomination, Modi said he has excelled as a diplomat, intellectual, and strategic thinker. 'Over the years, he's made key contributions to India's foreign policy and also contributed to our G20 presidency. Glad that he's been nominated to the Rajya Sabha by the President of India. His unique perspectives will greatly enrich Parliamentary proceedings,' the PM said. Shringla said that he will use the opportunity to work for the people. 'I have always wanted to work in the service of the country and, even after retirement, I have never stopped my endeavours in this regard. I am grateful for this opportunity and promise to do my best in working for the people, standing by the people and speaking for the people,' he said. Noted educationist A veteran social worker and educationist from Kerala with decades of grassroots service, Master was a victim of political violence in 1994 when CPI(M) members dragged him out of a car and chopped off his legs in the state's Kannur purportedly over his affiliation with the RSS. He contested the 2016 and 2021 elections as a BJP candidate from the Koothuparambu assembly constituency but lost. 'Shri C. Sadanandan Master's life is the epitome of courage and refusal to bow to injustice. Violence and intimidation couldn't deter his spirit towards national development. His efforts as a teacher and social worker are also commendable,' the PM said. Master said that the opportunity will help him work towards the BJP's goal of a 'Viksit Kerala' and 'Viksit Bharat'. 'Today, thankfully there is peace in Kannur and I am among those who want the peace to prevail. I see the 1994 attack on me as a bad dream which I want to forget. I see my nomination as the party's commitment to Kerala and its people. The party is now promoting the idea of Viksit Kerala and Viksit Bharat. To help realise this vision, I must work even harder,' he said. Eminent academic A noted historian and academic, Jain worked as an associate professor at the University of Delhi's Gargi College. She has authored several books, including Flight Of Deities And Rebirth Of Temples: Episodes From Indian History and The Battle for Rama: Case of the Temple at Ayodhya. She was awarded the Padma Shri in 2020. 'She has distinguished herself as a scholar, researcher and historian. Her work in the fields of education, literature, history and political science have enriched academic discourse significantly. Best wishes for her Parliamentary tenure,' the PM said. Thanking the PM and President, she said: 'Dear Honourable President and Prime Minister, I am deeply humbled at being nominated to the Rajya Sabha. It is truly a great privilege and honour.' The four nominations come ahead of the Monsoon Session of Parliament and precede elections to Rajya Sabha seats from across states scheduled in 2026. Elections to 75 out of 245 seats are set to take place in April, June, and November next year when several leaders, including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda, Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri, and NCP(SP) president Sharad Pawar, are set to complete their terms.
