NA Permission (Non-Agricultural Permission) is the official approval required to convert agricultural land into land for non-agricultural purposes. In simple terms, if you want to use farmland for constructing a house, starting a business, building an industry, or any other activity unrelated to farming, you must obtain NA permission.
This process plays a key role in land regulation across India, especially in Maharashtra, where the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code, 1966 (MLR Code) lays down the rules.
Why is NA Permission Necessary? 🧐
Getting NA permission is not just a legal formality—it serves several important purposes:
1. Safeguarding Agricultural Land 🌾
Agricultural land is vital for food production and ecological balance. If farmland could be converted without regulation, food security would be threatened. NA permission ensures that fertile land is not carelessly used for urbanization and is preserved for agriculture.
2. Promoting Planned Development 🏙️
Without proper checks, towns and cities would expand in an unorganized way. NA permission helps the government regulate development according to master plans. This ensures:
- Better use of land resources
- Availability of proper infrastructure (roads, water supply, electricity, sanitation)
- Sustainable urban growth
3. Legal Protection for Landowners 🛡️
For any construction or business on converted land, NA permission acts as a legal safeguard. With NA status, a landowner can:
- Obtain bank loans for construction or business projects
- Secure building permits from authorities
- Ensure hassle-free sale and transfer of property
4. Source of State Revenue 💰
The state collects fees and taxes (conversion tax, NA assessment, premiums) during the NA permission process. This revenue is used for public infrastructure, thereby benefitting society at large.
Legal Framework: NA Permission under the MLR Code, 1966 ⚖️
The Maharashtra Land Revenue Code, 1966, under Section 44, governs the grant of NA permission. It specifies the procedure, documents, and responsibilities of both the applicant and the government authorities.
Step-by-Step Procedure to Get NA Permission 📑
Here’s how the process generally works:
1. Application Submission
- The landowner applies to the District Collector in the prescribed format.
- A non-judicial stamp fee must be paid along with the application.
2. Required Documents
Some of the key documents include:
- 7/12 Extract – ownership and usage details of the land
- Village and Survey Map – identifying land location and boundaries
- Mutation Entry – record of ownership changes
- NOCs – from relevant authorities (Gram Panchayat, Forest Dept., Highway Authority, etc.)
- Site & Layout Plans – proposed development drawings
3. Site Inspection
- A revenue officer (Tahsildar/Circle Officer) inspects the land.
- They verify the documents and check for pending dues or disputes.
4. Collector’s Decision
- After reviewing reports and documents, the Collector either grants or rejects the application.
- If approved, a formal NA Order is issued.
5. Payment of Fees & Issuance of Sanad
- The applicant pays conversion tax and other applicable fees.
- A Sanad (certificate) is then issued, confirming the land’s non-agricultural status.
6. Updation of Land Records
- Finally, the 7/12 extract and land records are updated to reflect the new land use.
Deemed Permission – Section 44(3) ⏳
The Code includes a safeguard against unnecessary delays. If the Collector does not decide within 90 days of receiving a complete application, the applicant automatically gets deemed NA permission. This provision prevents prolonged waiting periods.
Penalties for Unauthorized Use 🚧
Using agricultural land for non-agricultural purposes without NA permission is a punishable offense. Consequences include:
- Fines – up to 40 times the non-agricultural assessment of the land
- Restoration orders – land must be returned to agricultural use
- Demolition – any unauthorized construction may be pulled down
Recent Amendments for Faster Approvals 🚀
To reduce bureaucratic delays, Maharashtra introduced new provisions under Sections 42A, 42B, 42C, and 42D.
- If land is already shown as non-agricultural in a sanctioned development or regional plan, then a separate NA permission is not required.
- In such cases, obtaining development permission from the local authority (Municipal Corporation/Planning Authority) is considered deemed NA permission.
This reform avoids duplication of approvals and makes the process simpler and quicker for landowners and developers.
Conclusion
NA Permission is more than just a legal stamp—it ensures planned urban growth, protects agriculture, provides clarity for landowners, and generates revenue for the state.
By understanding the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code, 1966, and following the right procedure, landowners can avoid legal hurdles and contribute to sustainable development.
With recent reforms, the process has become faster, but professional guidance is still advisable for smooth completion.
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Download The Bare Act for Maharashtra Land Revenue Code,1966 (MLRC,1966)
