Catholic Church of India Emerges as Largest Non-Governmental Landowner with Over 17 Crore Acres
New Delhi, September 2, 2025 – In a revelation that has sparked widespread discussion, the Catholic Church of India has been identified as the country’s largest non-governmental landowner, holding an estimated 7 crore hectares (approximately 17.29 crore acres) of land across the nation, second only to the Indian government. This vast land portfolio, valued at over Rs 1 lakh crore, includes churches, educational institutions, hospitals, and agricultural properties, making the Church a significant player in India’s socio-economic landscape. The scale of its holdings, acquired primarily through historical grants, donations, and purchases, has raised questions about transparency, equitable land distribution, and the Church’s influence in modern India.
Scale of Land Ownership
According to data from the Government Land Information System (GLIS), as reported by multiple sources including India.com and News18, the Indian government remains the largest landowner, controlling approximately 15,531 square kilometers of land as of February 2021, managed by 51 Union Ministries and 116 public sector enterprises. However, the Catholic Church of India holds an estimated 7 crore hectares, equivalent to 17.29 crore acres, dwarfing other non-governmental entities such as the Waqf Board, which ranks third with around 6 lakh acres. This land encompasses a vast network of properties, including 2,457 hospitals and dispensaries, 240 medical and nursing colleges, 28 general colleges, 5 engineering colleges, 3,765 secondary schools, 7,319 primary schools, and 3,187 nursery schools as of 2012, according to a Telegraph-Calcutta report.
The Church’s holdings are spread across every state, from urban centers like Goa to remote areas like Kohima in Nagaland, and include both non-agricultural and agricultural land. For instance, in 2009, the Church acquired a plantation in Kerala valued at Rs 123 crore, highlighting its continued expansion into diverse land types. The total valuation of these properties is estimated to range between Rs 20,000 crore and Rs 100,000 crore, with some sources suggesting it could be equivalent to India’s naval budget at the time.
Historical Context of Land Acquisition
The Catholic Church’s extensive land ownership traces back to the colonial era, particularly the Indian Churches Act of 1927, enacted during British rule. This legislation facilitated the transfer of land to the Church for the propagation of Christianity, enabling the establishment of religious and social institutions across India. Over the years, the Church has further expanded its portfolio through donations, purchases, and long-term leases, managed by a network of trusts, charitable societies, and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI), under the global leadership of Pope Francis.
A notable example of historical land grants includes properties leased by the British government for 999 years at nominal rates, such as Rs 1, a practice that has sparked controversy in recent years. However, a 1965 government circular declared such colonial-era leases invalid, leading to ongoing disputes over the legitimacy of some Church-owned lands. Despite this, non-compliance with the directive has left many of these holdings unresolved, contributing to the Church’s vast estate.
Socio-Economic Impact and Contributions
The Catholic Church’s landholdings have positioned it as a major player in India’s education and healthcare sectors, making it one of the largest non-governmental employers in the country. Its institutions, including thousands of schools, colleges, and hospitals, serve millions of Indians, often in underserved rural areas. For example, the Velankanni Church in Tamil Nadu, located 310 km from Chennai, has become a major tourist and pilgrimage site, contributing to local economic development.
However, the sheer scale of the Church’s land ownership has raised questions about its social and economic implications. Critics argue that the concentration of such vast resources in the hands of a single religious institution could exacerbate inequalities, particularly in a country where land is a scarce and contested resource. The World Bank’s Land Governance Assessment report predicts that by 2030, India will require 4 to 8 million hectares for residential use alone, placing pressure on agricultural and other lands. The Church’s holdings, representing nearly 23% of India’s total land mass, have prompted calls for greater transparency and equitable distribution.
Controversies and Legal Challenges
The Catholic Church’s land ownership has not been without controversy. Legal debates have centered on the legitimacy of colonial-era grants, with critics questioning whether all properties were rightfully obtained. Recent conflicts, such as those in Nagaland, have highlighted tensions between the Church and local communities over land management practices. Stakeholders have emphasized the need for transparent and equitable land use to ensure community development, particularly for marginalized groups.
Additionally, the lack of comprehensive official data on the Church’s holdings has fueled speculation and debate. Unlike the government, which maintains records through the GLIS, the Church’s land estimates are based on surveys and media reports, with no centralized public database. This opacity has led to calls for stronger regulations and accountability to ensure that the Church’s resources are utilized for the public good.
Comparison with Other Landowners
While the Catholic Church holds the top spot among non-governmental landowners, the Waqf Board ranks third with approximately 610,000 immovable properties, including mosques, madrasas, and graveyards, covering around 6 lakh acres. These properties, managed under the Waqf Act of 1954, are valued at lakhs of crores of rupees but face similar scrutiny over transparency and misuse.
Among private entities, real estate developers like DLF Limited, Indiabulls Real Estate, and Godrej Properties hold significant land banks, with Godrej owning over 3,400 acres in Mumbai’s Vikhroli area alone. However, these holdings pale in comparison to the Church’s nationwide portfolio. The Indian Railways and the Ministry of Defence, with 4.77 lakh hectares and 17.95 lakh acres respectively, remain the largest governmental landowners.
Public and Policy Response
The revelation of the Catholic Church’s status as India’s largest non-governmental landowner has sparked diverse reactions. Media outlets, including DNA India and The Commune, have highlighted the need for strategic land management in a country with only 2.4% of the world’s land area. Civil society groups have called for reforms to address historical inequities in land ownership, while some political leaders have questioned the secular implications of religious institutions holding such vast resources.
The Church, through the CBCI, has defended its role, emphasizing its contributions to education, healthcare, and social welfare. However, it has also expressed willingness to engage with communities to address concerns about land use. Efforts to resolve disputes, such as those involving colonial-era leases, may require stronger legal frameworks and collaboration between the Church, government, and local stakeholders.
Conclusion
The Catholic Church of India’s emergence as the largest non-governmental landowner, with over 17 crore acres valued at lakhs of crores of rupees, underscores its profound influence on the nation’s social, economic, and cultural fabric. While its contributions to education and healthcare are undeniable, the scale of its holdings raises critical questions about transparency, equity, and the future of land management in India. As the country grapples with growing demands for land, the Church’s role as a major landowner will likely remain a focal point of debate, necessitating a balanced approach to ensure that its resources benefit all communities.
For More News Updates Follow Us On Www.tconews.in
