What are the Main Provisions of the East Bengal Estate Acquisition and Tenancy Act 1950

After partition, East Bengal Estate Acquisition and Tenancy Bill was formulated in 1948. The Bill was passed in the then Provincial Assembly in 1949, which accorded approval of the Governor General in 1951. This Act is known as the East Bengal Estate Acquisition and Tenancy Act of 1950. As a result of promulgation of this Act, zemindari system in Bengal came to an end. The main provisions of the East Bengal Estate Acquisition and Tenancy Act of 1950 are described below:

1. The most important provision in the Act is on the abolition of all rent-receiving interests in land both agricultural and non-agricultural (including fisheries) between the riot and the state. Under the Act, these interests will be acquired by the government.
2. Khas land in excess of 100 standards big has or 10 bights per head in the family, whichever is greater, will be acquired by the government. In addition to the above ceiling, each family will be permitted to possess an area of land not exceeding 10 big has for its homestead. This provision does away with landlordism and the revolutionary aspect of the Act is entered round this.
3. The Act has also provided for preventing concentration of land in the hands of landlords after acquisition by the government. After government acquisition, none but a bonafide cultivator will be permitted to purchase land or otherwise acquire any land. A non-cultivator will need previous permission of a prescribed authority for purchasing or otherwise acquiring land. But in no case a cultivator and his family will possess more than 100 standard big has (or 33 acres). This provision ensures the permanent abolition of zemindari or landlordism.
4. Provision has also been made for giving compensation to the holders of all classes of rights at prescribed scales. Compensation is payable in cash or non-negotiable bonds bearing 3 percent interest by installments within 40 years.
5. The Act also provides for a fair basis for the determination of rent. It provides that the maximum rate of rent for any class of land will not exceed one-tenth of the value of gross produce or four-fifths of the existing rate of rents whichever is less. Besides, rent cannot be raised twice in 30 years. 
6. The Act assures tenants full occupancy rights with the right of transfer to bonafide cultivators. Subletting has been forbidden.
7. After state acquisition of excess land, it will be distributed under settlement. In making settlement of cultivable land preference will be given to a cultivator who holds less than 3 acres of land. This provision is intended to reduce the number of uneconomic holding.
8. The Act recognizes the existence of the problem of sub-division and fragmentation of holdings. Hence it provides for consolidation of holdings under certain conditions.

With the promulgation of the aforesaid Act, the provincial government of East Bengal/addition gradually took steps for abolition of Zemindary system. It was decided in 1996 to pay entire compensation to the zemindars at a time to fully curb their influence.