New Farm Electricity Connection Rules Trigger Farmer Confusion [2026 Update] Farm Power Connection Rules Spark Unrest Among Gujarat Farmers
Farmers across Gujarat are expressing confusion and concern after the state government introduced new conditions for agricultural electricity connections. While the government’s stated objective is to make farm power connections faster and more accessible, the latest changes have unexpectedly created uncertainty at the grassroots level. The new requirement of submitting a clear land demarcation map has become the main point of contention, triggering widespread discussion and unease among farmers in several districts.
Under the earlier system, if multiple co-owners’ names were recorded in the 7/12 land record extract, all co-owners were required to submit notarized consent letters for a new agricultural electricity connection. This condition had long been a major hurdle, especially for farmers in tribal and rural areas. In many cases, agricultural land had numerous heirs, incomplete revenue records, or unresolved inheritance issues. As a result, farmers were forced to make repeated visits to government offices for years, often without success.
Recognizing these hardships, the Gujarat government had earlier removed the mandatory consent-letter requirement and instead allowed applicants to submit a notarized self-declaration. This move was widely welcomed by farmers, as it simplified the process and reduced bureaucratic delays. Many believed that this decision would finally make it easier for genuine cultivators to obtain farm electricity connections without being trapped in documentation disputes.
However, the newly announced rules have once again complicated the situation. According to the revised provisions, every co-owner whose name appears in the 7/12 land record is now eligible to apply for a separate agricultural electricity connection. While this change appears farmer-friendly on the surface, it comes with strict additional conditions that have raised serious concerns.
The most controversial condition is the requirement to submit a clear and detailed land demarcation map. The new rules mandate that each applicant must show clearly separated boundaries of their land portion. In addition, the applicant must have a separate water source, such as an independent well or borewell. Both these conditions must be fulfilled before a new farm electricity connection can be approved.
Farmers argue that preparing a precise land demarcation map is not an easy task, particularly for older agricultural lands. In many villages, land boundaries were never clearly measured or documented. Over time, natural changes, informal divisions among family members, and outdated revenue records have made boundary identification even more complicated. Measurement disputes are common, and official surveys can take months or even years to complete.
As news of the new farm electricity connection rules spread, discussions intensified in villages both during the day and late into the night. Farmers are worried that what was meant to simplify the system has instead introduced a new administrative hurdle. Many fear that the cost and time involved in preparing land demarcation maps will outweigh the intended benefits of the revised policy.
Under the current rules, the applicant’s name must be recorded in the 7/12 extract, and the water source must be completely separate from that of other co-owners. Along with the application, the farmer must submit a map clearly showing individual boundaries and divisions within the jointly held land. Additionally, co-owners can obtain only one agricultural electricity connection per person under the same survey number, further limiting flexibility.
At the ground level, farmers feel that the relief they received when the consent-letter condition was removed has now been offset by the new mapping requirement. Many believe the government has replaced one complex rule with another. For small and marginal farmers, especially those with ancestral land holdings, arranging surveys and maps may prove extremely challenging.
There is also concern that the lack of clear guidance could lead to inconsistent implementation at local offices. Farmers worry that different interpretations by officials may result in delays, rejections, or even disputes among family members. Without standardized procedures or government assistance in preparing land maps, the process may remain inaccessible to many.
Farmers are now demanding that the authorities issue clear guidelines and introduce a simpler mechanism for complying with the new farm electricity connection rules. Suggestions include government-supported land surveys, simplified mapping formats, or relaxation of conditions for old land records. Many farmers stress that access to electricity is critical for irrigation, crop productivity, and overall rural livelihoods.
The current situation has created a sense of uncertainty across farming communities. While farmers acknowledge the government’s intention to improve access to electricity, they insist that policies must be practical and farmer-centric. Unless the issues surrounding land demarcation and documentation are addressed promptly, the new rules risk becoming another barrier rather than a solution.
As discussions continue and pressure builds, farmers are hoping that the government will respond with clarifications and corrective measures. For now, the new farm electricity connection rules remain a topic of intense debate, highlighting the delicate balance between administrative reform and ground-level realities in Gujarat’s agricultural sector.
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