Evolution of Land Distribution in West Bengal 1967-2004: Role of Land Reform and Demographic Changes

This paper uses recall data from a household survey to evaluate the roles of land reforms and demographic changes in explaining changes in land distribution in West Bengal between 1967-2004. The direct role of the land reforms was insignificant relative to household division, migration and land market transactions. We develop a model of how household division and market transactions are affected by demographic changes and land reforms, and find the evidence consistent with these predictions. However the tenancy registration program did not significantly reduce inequality, while the land title program reduced inequality by reducing landlessness directly.