Delhi circle rates: Why the change is on the table
Circle rates are the minimum values at which properties can be registered. Stamp duty is calculated on this value or the transaction price, whichever is higher. At present, agricultural land in Delhi has a circle rate of Rs 53 lakh per acre. Officials say this figure no longer matches market reality.
Over the years, fast urbanisation, infrastructure growth and rising demand on Delhi’s outskirts have pushed land prices far above notified rates. Many deals happen well above circle rates, which leads to revenue loss for the government.
What officials are saying
An official told TOI: “A proposal has been made for up to 10 times increase in the circle rate of agricultural land, based on representations of farmers and villagers.”
In May, the Delhi government set up a committee to revise circle rates, including those for agricultural land. Since then, the panel has held several meetings with farmers and villagers from different parts of the city to hear their demands and concerns.
Shrinking farmland in the capital
Agricultural land in Delhi has been reducing steadily as large areas shift to non-agricultural use. The city’s gross cropped area stood at 81,700 acres in 2023, reflecting the pressure on farmland amid expanding urban limits.
South Delhi MP Ramvir Singh Bidhuri told TOI that the current rates are far too low. He said: “The circle rate in Delhi should be around Rs 10 crore per acre; and it will bring higher revenue to govt.”
What villagers are demanding
Surender Solanki, a Delhi villager, said: “Villagers have met the head of the revenue department multiple times in the last three months. We have submitted a proposal demanding that circle rates be increased to Rs 10 crore per acre. Officials said they will present our case to govt.”
If approved, the long-pending revision could reshape land deals in the capital and put fresh money in government coffers, while giving farmers a better deal for their land.