In a landmark decision to address the persistent issues surrounding the Dharani portal, the Telangana state government has introduced the “New Record of Rights (NROR) Bill 2024.” This bill aims to amend the RoR Act, replacing the Dharani portal with the new Bhumata portal. Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy announced this significant development in the Legislative Assembly on Friday, emphasizing the Congress government’s dedication to resolving the challenges faced by the public with the existing land records system.
Public Engagement in Legislative Process
During a discussion on ‘Telangana Land Rights & Reforms,’ Srinivas Reddy revealed that the draft bill is now available on the Chief Commissioner of Land Administration (CCLA) website (www.ccla.telangana.gov.in) for public review. The government is actively encouraging citizens to provide their feedback and suggestions on the proposed legislation. This initiative not only promotes public participation in the legislative process but also ensures that the new RoR will effectively address the concerns of the people.
Consultation Period for Public Feedback
The consultation period, running from August 2 to 23, allows citizens to share their views via email at ror2024-rev@telangana.gov.in or send their suggestions by post to the ‘Land Legal Cell, CCLA Office, Nampally Station Road, opposite Annapurna Hotel, Abids, Hyderabad.’ The CCLA is overseeing this initiative and urges widespread public participation, reflecting the government’s transparent approach to refining the Dharani system to better meet the needs of all stakeholders.
Introduction of Bhudhaar System
The draft bill outlines that every parcel of land will automatically receive a Bhudhaar number, similar to Aadhaar, with Bhudhaar cards also being issued. This system considers the geographical location of the land, its shape determined by its coordinates, and ownership as per the record of rights. Both temporary and permanent Bhudhaar numbers may be assigned to lands belonging to the central or state government, local bodies, community, or land classified as ‘endowment’ or ‘Wakf.’
Online Accessibility and Pattadar Passbooks
Temporary and permanent Bhudhaar cards will be generated for all assigned parcels of land and made accessible online to the pattadars or landowners. The government will prescribe the manner and date from which these cards will be available. Additionally, a single Bhudhaar card may be issued for all parcels of land held by the same pattadar. All persons listed in the record of rights will receive a pattadar passbook-cum-title deed from the tahsildar or an authorized person upon payment of a prescribed fee.
Criticism of Previous Government’s Policies
Minister Srinivas Reddy criticized the BRS government for its mismanagement of the revenue and land records system. He pointed out that the hasty implementation of the Dharani portal and the abolition of the VRO/VRA revenue system at the village level led to numerous unresolved grievances. The BRS government received lakhs of applications regarding Dharani grievances but failed to establish a mechanism for their resolution.
Bhumata Portal for Land Registration Telangana
The Telangana government has launched the Bhumata portal, which facilitates the registration and instant mutation of land records. The portal also allows online slot booking for registrations, with citizens able to pay registration charges and stamp duty online. To provide an alternative booking channel, facilities are being set up at Mee Seva centers, where property owners can utilize services for slot booking in the Bhumata portal. The user charges for slot booking at Mee Seva centers are Rs.200/- per transaction, which includes the cost of up to 10 necessary printouts. Additional printouts will be charged at Rs.5 each.
Technical Enhancements and Adjustments
Following a detailed examination of the matter, the Telangana government has ordered the implementation of necessary mechanisms and new modules to cover all technical issues in the Bhumata portal. This includes the adjustment of stamp duty for documents such as the Agreement of Sale-cum-General Power of Attorney (AGPA) and Special Power of Attorney (SPA). The Chief Commissioner of Land Administration, the Managing Director of Telangana State Technology Services, and the concerned District Collectors are instructed to take further action on these matters.
The introduction of the NROR Bill and the Bhumata portal signifies a major step forward in resolving land record issues in Telangana, promoting transparency, and ensuring the needs of all stakeholders are met efficiently.
