Uzbek Lawmakers Pass Land Reform Bill

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Uzbekistan's Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis on 14 July passed in its second and third readings a draft law aimed at improving the country's land legislation, the lower house of parliament's press service said.

The bill clarifies the powers of local khokimiyats in land relations, establishes the legal framework for consolidating land plots and expands the list of cases in which compensation for losses to agriculture and forestry is not required.

The amendments are also intended to create conditions for using land plots as market assets. The draft law sets out procedures for the use of vacant non-agricultural land when it is allocated or sold.

During preparations for the second reading, lawmakers paid particular attention to provisions aimed at preventing the unauthorized occupation of land plots. According to the Legislative Chamber, the bill also includes provisions that take into account the interests of citizens when determining income exempt from taxation.

The lower house said the law is expected to create mechanisms for the rational and efficient continuous use of agricultural land, while strengthening the legal framework for recording and bringing vacant land plots into economic circulation.

The draft law was approved in its first reading in June. At that time, it was reported that the bill would expand opportunities to use agricultural land lease rights as collateral for loans, leasing, mortgages and bank guarantees, and would also allow leased land plots to be subleased.