Q.942 Purchase of agricultural

land using funds from NRE savings

account

Question: Dear sir, I am an Indian citizen staying outside India (in UAE) since last six years for the purpose of employment. I have a NRE savings a/c with SBI to which I remitt my income from UAE. I have two questions, 1. Can I purchase agricultural land in Maharashtra using the funds from my NRE savings account? My father owns some agri. land in Maharashtra. 2. Can I use the funds from my NRE savings account to purchase agricultural land in Maharashtra in my wife's name? She has been staying in India and already owns some agri. land in maharashtra. Your answers to these queries will be highly appreciated. Thanks in advance... Regards, Narendra Patil Answer: Your status of NRI disqualifies you from purchasing agricultural land in India. The only way you can acquire agricultural land is by way of inheritance. Money in your NRE account can be used to purchase anything you want, as long as whatever you purchase is legal in India. Purchase of Agricultural by NRIs is not allowed by the authorities in India. You can gift your money to anyone and they can use it for whatever purpose they like. If your wife already owns agricultural land, is not a non- resident [NRI] and is a Indian citizen, then I believe she can purchase agricultural land in her name.