Jantri still too high for farmers

The Gujarat state government slashed the jantri hike by 50% following widespread protests against the new rates that became effective from April 1, 2011.

However, according to Narhari Amin, former Gujarat deputy chief minister, the revised rates are still a cause of concern for the people, particularly the farmers and the middle class.

He demanded that the government further reduce the jantri rates, as in some villages, they are higher than the market rate even after the 50% hike reduction.

While talking to the media on Thursday, Amin alleged that the state government's discussions on the issue were held with only with the builders, with whom the government works hand in glove.

These discussions did not include the middle and the farmer class. Amin said that the state government has failed to do justice to farmers and the middle class, who are being subjected to higher stamp duty and capital gain tax.

To prove his point, Amin cited various specific examples of villages located on the outskirts of Ahmedabad. He said that the old jantri rate in Rancharda village was Rs120 per square metre, which was increased to Rs6,000 per square metre and finally is Rs3060 per square meter after the 50% reduction in rates.

As per the old jantri rates, land prices in Rancharda were Rs2.85 lakh per bigha and capital gain tax was Rs57,000 at 20%, which has now jumped to Rs14.55 lakh per bigha, added Amin.