Gujarat Empowers District Collectors to Fast-Track Government Land Allotment

GANDHINAGAR : In a major push to improve governance and accelerate development, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has delegated greater financial powers to District Collectors and District Development Officers (DDOs) for government land allotment. The move is expected to cut bureaucratic delays, improve the ease of doing business, and ensure faster execution of infrastructure, industrial, social, and rural development projects across the state.

The decision marks one of the state’s biggest administrative reforms in recent years, allowing several land allotment proposals to be approved at the district level instead of requiring clearance from Gandhinagar.

“The reform will simplify administrative procedures and make decision-making faster at the local level, benefiting both citizens and investors,” the state government said.

Under the revised norms, the financial limit for District Collectors to allot up to two hectares of land to state government boards and corporations has been increased from ₹15 lakh to ₹1 crore. The limit for allotting up to one hectare of land to Central Government departments has been raised from ₹15 lakh to ₹50 lakh.

The government has also increased financial limits for residential land allotments, cooperative housing societies, commercial land auctions, and cooperative godowns. Likewise, DDOs have received higher financial powers for allotting Gamtal plots to individuals, cooperative housing societies, milk cooperatives, and rural infrastructure projects.

Officials said the decentralisation of powers will reduce paperwork and allow applications to be processed where land records and site-related information are readily available.

“With more powers vested in District Collectors and DDOs, applicants will no longer have to repeatedly approach Gandhinagar. This will ensure quicker approvals and faster implementation of development projects,” the government added.

The Chief Minister has also empowered District Collectors to grant extensions for payment of land premiums in specific cases, reducing repetitive approvals and making the land allotment process more efficient.

The state government expects the reforms to attract fresh investments, generate employment, and further strengthen Gujarat’s reputation as one of India’s most business-friendly states.