TNR News Network
DHARAMSHALA:
The Himachal Pradesh government on Tuesday (December 2, 2025) introduced a major amendment Bill in the Vidhan Sabha to ease restrictions under Section 118 of the Tenancy and Land Reforms Act, 1972.
Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi tabled the Bill, which proposes to exempt societies composed entirely of Himachali residents from the requirement of obtaining Section 118 permission for purchasing land.
Under the existing rules, even societies or companies formed by Himachalis must seek approval under Section 118, creating hurdles for business expansion, particularly in rural areas. The proposed amendment seeks to remove this barrier and facilitate smoother economic and developmental activities within the state.
Key provisions proposed in Amendment
• Section 118 exemption for societies formed exclusively by Himachalis.
• RERA and HIMUDA flats will be allowed to be sold ahead of completion; the deadline for obtaining a completion certificate will be extended.
• Commercial establishments and shops operating under the overdraft system will now be allowed to deposit double the earlier amount.
The government says the reform will make it easier for local entrepreneurs and cooperatives to grow without bureaucratic hurdles and will clear long-pending bottlenecks in land-related approvals.
Changes also introduced in municipal Acts
Alongside this Bill, the government also tabled amendments to the Himachal Pradesh Municipal Corporation Amendment Bill and the Himachal Pradesh Municipalities Amendment Bill.
The proposed changes include:
Increasing the reservation roster cycle for Mayor and Deputy Mayor seats from two to three years.
Amendments to streamline urban local body elections and correct anomalies in the ward delimitation and reservation processes.
The government maintains that these reforms will make urban governance more stable and reduce frequent reshuffling caused by shorter reservation cycles. The Assembly is expected to discuss and pass the Bills after detailed deliberation.
