A Comparative Analysis of Land Legislation in South Asian Countries

Abstract

South Asia, comprising countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, has a rich and diverse landscape, with a significant portion of its population relying on agriculture and land-based livelihoods. Yet, persistent challenges in land ownership, distribution, and tenure security, have had far-reaching socioeconomic implications. These implications include unequal land distribution, tenure insecu rity, and disputes over land acquisition, which undermine agricultural productivity, social stability, and economic growth. This study compares land legislation in Bangladesh, India and Pakistan, exploring tenure, rights, acquisition, and state management. By analyzing historical, cultural, and political contexts, we aim to understand the complexities of land governance and suggest potential policy reforms. The findings offer insights into addressing the pressing land-related issues in South Asia. This comparative lens reveals the pervasive impact of colonial legacies on contemporary land governance challenges and underscores the urgent need for harmonized, rights-based land reforms to foster more equitable and rapid economic development in the region.