Myanmar is working on extending its forest reserves as part of its commitment to reducing the impact of climate change.
But, for this, it is necessary to exclude customary lands designated under traditional culture of the local ethnic people, and lands currently used for religious, social, educational, health, and transportation purposes for the public and ethnic people in the forest reserves.
According to statistics compiled in 2018, there are over 47 million acres of vacant, fallow, and virgin lands in Myanmar. It is necessary to ensure that agriculture, livestock breeding, minerals production, and other lawful businesses utilize the land effectively, in accordance with the bylaw of the Vacant, Fallow and Virgin Lands Management Law, for the economic development of the State and to create job opportunities for locals and landless citizens.
For land that is not utilized by a business within four years, a fine would be collected by the State treasury, and the right to cultivate or use the land would be revoked.
In its 21st meeting held on 26 August in Nay Pyi Taw, the Vacant, Fallow and Virgin Lands Management Committee has decided to confiscate lands which are being improperly utilized. The committee has announced that so far, 1.5 million acres of land has been seized for non-compliance with the terms and stipulations of the law.
Section 39 of the Vacant, Fallow and Virgin Lands Management bylaw has designated land tax exemption periods for various businesses on different types of land. The committee has instructed the authorities to impose fines for late payments or evasion, and have asked those who have not paid yet to do so urgently.
According to the committee, there are 3,404 individuals who would be imposed levy on their land utilization in 2018-2019, and K1,421 million in tax has been projected from 512,000 acres of land, and those concerned have been notified of the tax levy from September.
For land which is being used efficiently, new permissions will be issued, and owners who are granted such permissions are urged to pay taxes to the government on time.
For the objectives, guidelines, and basic principles of the National Land Use Policy to be truly effective, the relevant authorities, organizations, and individuals need to fully understand its contents to enable successful implementation.-GNLM
