Question

Which of the following committees in 1942 recommended the maximum size of lands, a landlord can retain?

• A. Nariman Committee
• B. Alexander Committee
• C. Khushro Committee
• D. Kumarappan Committee

Hint:

J.C. Kumarappa was a prominent Gandhian economist, and his name is directly associated with the agrarian reforms and land ceiling recommendations in India.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Land ceiling reforms in India restrict the maximum amount of agricultural land an individual or family can own, redistributing any surplus land to landless agricultural laborers.
Detailed Explanation:
Let us review the historical context of the committees:
- The Kumarappan Committee (formally known as the Congress Agrarian Reforms Committee), chaired by J.C. Kumarappa, was appointed to suggest land reforms.
- While the final comprehensive report was published in 1949, working groups began developing these concepts in the 1940s.
- The committee recommended implementing land ceilings, proposing that a family could hold a maximum area equal to three times the size of an "economic holding" to ensure equitable land distribution.

Step 2: Final Answer:
The committee that recommended these land reforms is the Kumarappan Committee, which is Option (D).