Gujarat’s New Jantri Rates Stuck In Administrative Bottleneck?

Jantri rates, which serve as the government’s benchmark for property valuations and stamp duty calculations, have become a flashpoint. The Revenue Department's attempt to notify the updated rates has run into heavy resistance. While some welcomed the changes, majority of developers and public were not happy. Over 6,000 objections were filed urging the government to roll back the proposed hike.
Around 1,700 suggestions supported the increase. But many stakeholders took their grievances straight to government officials and ministers both online and in person.

In response, the Revenue Department sought detailed reports from district-level committees. However, the process has hit its own roadblocks, especially in districts like Dahod, Kutch, and Banaskantha, where the data was insufficient/incomplete. Meanwhile, speculation that the new Jantri rates could soon come into effect has accelerated both stamp paper purchases and property registrations.

Real estate players argue that any revision in Jantri rates should reflect the actual market conditions cautioning that an unscientific hike could deepen the market slump. The builder community fears that blanket implementation of higher rates across the state without regional considerations could hit the already struggling sector hard—especially in areas where property prices have not kept pace with government valuations.

The Revenue department is still reviewing district committee submissions/reports to decide whether the proposed, pocket-wise rate revisions are justified. Only after this vetting process—and approval from the highest levels of the administration, including the Chief Minister—will the new Jantri rates be officially announced.

When asked about the delay, IAS Jenu Dewan, Superintendent of Stamps and Inspector. General of Registration, said, “Everything is ready from our side. Now the decision will be taken by the government.” He declined to comment on the reasons behind the holdup, reiterating that the implementation timeline lies with higher authorities.

Until then, the old Jantri rates—set years ago—remain in place. Nonetheless, while some homebuyers are are breathing a sigh of relief,  the developers and government revenue planners stare at uncertainty dragging on.