39. Acquisition of [plots of land] [Substituted by Act 31 of 2000 w.r.e.f. 7.8.1969.] for consolidation.
The State Government may(a)on the representation of raiyats in any area, [as may be necessary,] [Inserted by West Bengal Act No. 50 of 1981, with retrospective effect from 7.8.1969.] or(b)on its own motion, acquire the lands in any area on payment of compensation to the raiyats owning them when the lands comprised in the [plots of land] [Substituted by Act 31 of 2000 w.r.e.f. 7.8.1969.] of the raiyats in such area are not in compact blocks, if the State Government is of the opinion that the lands comprised [in the [plots of land] [Substituted by ibid, for "in the holding in such area"] in such area] should be consolidated:[Provided that consolidation of lands may be undertaken by the State Government if any seven or more persons being raiyats each owning land not exceeding 0.4047 hectare of land in the aggregate or being recipients of lands settled under section 49 or from both such categories make representation therefor.] [Substituted by West Bengal Act No. 50 of 1981, w.r.e.f. 7.8.1969.]
