Who owns the most of India?
Land, in India, is not just a piece of earth; it is a source of status symbols, identity, and profound emotional attachment. It plays a pivotal role in the lives of millions and holds a prominent place in the Constitution of India. “Land” is categorized under the “State” list, while “Forests” falls under the concurrent list, making both the domain of both state and central governments. Land and land reforms are subject to the legislative and administrative jurisdiction of the federal states, while forests have shared responsibilities.
Historically, the right to property was a fundamental right enshrined in the Constitution of India until the 44th Constitution amendment in 1978, after which it transitioned into a constitutional right protected under the authority of law. India, the seventh-largest country in the world, boasts a vast and diverse landscape, yet it only accounts for 2.4% of the total land area worldwide, measuring approximately 3,287,263 square kilometres (1,269,219 sq mi), while being home to 18% of the global population.
Government Landholdings
The Government of India is the single largest landowner in the country. According to the Government Land Information System (GLIS) website, as of February 11, 2021, the Indian government owns at least 15,531 square kilometres of land, as reported by 51 Union Ministries and 116 public sector enterprises. The GLIS, a centralized database system, overseen by the Prime Minister’s Office and created by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, provides valuable information about land ownership rights, geo-positioning maps, and total land area.
Among Union ministries, the Indian Railways holds the largest land estate, followed by Coal, Power, Heavy Industries and Public Enterprise, Shipping, Steel, Agriculture, and more. According to a 2018 RTI filing, Indian Railways reported ownership of approximately 4.77 lakh hectares of land, with 844.38 hectares in unauthorized possession. However, the actual landholding could be higher, given discrepancies in state-wise data.
The Ministry of Defence also commands substantial land holdings, totalling approximately 17.95 lakh acres, with only 1.60 lakh acres situated within notified Cantonments, and the rest undisclosed due to security concerns, making it the largest landowner among all government institutions.
Religious Minorities Land Holdings
Apart from government entities, religious minorities have also accumulated significant land holdings in India.
Church Properties: The Catholic Church of India stands out as one of the largest non-governmental landowners. Functioning through a network of trusts and charitable societies, the church has amassed land primarily through the Indian Churches Act of 1927, transferring land for the propagation of Christianity. With 14,429 colleges and schools, 1,086 training institutes, and 1,826 hospitals and dispensaries, the Catholic Church’s land holdings are estimated to be valued between 50,000 to 100,000 crore rupees.
Waqf Properties: Muslims, constituting a substantial religious minority, have properties managed by Waqf boards, autonomous bodies formed under the Waqf Act of 1954. These properties include mosques, madrasas, graveyards, and tombs, often donated or constructed by Muslim rulers. With no state interference in their management, Waqf properties are estimated to be worth lakhs of crores of rupees, owning more than 610,000 immovable properties across various states in India. A PIL filed in 2020 prompted the Supreme Court to seek a report on property misuse by the Waqf board.
According to a parliamentary committee report in 2009, Waqf properties, encompassing around 6 lakh acres, rank as the third-largest landowner in India, following the Defence Department and Indian Railways.
Future and Conclusion
India’s land resources are at the heart of its future challenges. The Land Governance Assessment report by The World Bank predicts that by 2030, India will require 4 to 8 million hectares of land for residential use alone. This growing demand may place significant pressure on agricultural land, leading to social dislocation, food insecurity, inequality, environmental issues, and potentially, conflicts.
While government and non-governmental entities continue to shape the land landscape, it is crucial to adopt sustainable land management practices to balance development with environmental preservation and social equity. In this context, the value and significance of land in India remain a multifaceted and evolving aspect of the nation’s identity and development.
Note: Data for Hindu Temples remains unavailable due to government control.
