The correct answer is: d) Protect tribal land ownership.
The Sikkim Regulation of Transfer of Land Act, 1978, is an act to regulate the transfer of land in the state of Sikkim. The act was passed to protect the land rights of the tribal people of Sikkim, who are a minority in the state. The act prohibits the transfer of land to non-tribals, except in certain cases. The act also provides for the registration of all land transfers and the establishment of a land tribunal to adjudicate disputes.
The act has been criticized by some for being too restrictive and for hindering the development of the state. However, the act has been praised by others for protecting the land rights of the tribal people of Sikkim.
Here is a brief explanation of each option:
- Option a: Restrict land sales to non-Sikkimese. This is not the correct answer because the act does not restrict land sales to non-Sikkimese. The act only prohibits the transfer of land to non-tribals, except in certain cases.
- Option b: Promote land consolidation. This is not the correct answer because the act does not promote land consolidation. Land consolidation is the process of combining small, fragmented landholdings into larger, more efficient units. The act does not have any provisions for land consolidation.
- Option c: Encourage organic farming. This is not the correct answer because the act does not encourage organic farming. The act does not have any provisions for organic farming.
- Option d: Protect tribal land ownership. This is the correct answer because the act is specifically designed to protect the land rights of the tribal people of Sikkim. The act prohibits the transfer of land to non-tribals, except in certain cases. The act also provides for the registration of all land transfers and the establishment of a land tribunal to adjudicate disputes.