Telangana Introduces Bhumata Portal to Improve Land Registration

Telangana launches Bhumata Portal to replace Dharani, enhancing land registration and transparency. Public feedback on the NROR Bill invited.

Introduction of the Bhumata Portal: A Step Toward Improved Land Registration

To address the challenges associated with the Dharani portal, the Telangana state government has unveiled the New Record of Rights (NROR) Bill 2024. This initiative aims to update the existing Record of Rights (RoR) Act by introducing the Bhumata Portal, a significant development announced by Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy in the Legislative Assembly. Emphasizing the Congress government’s commitment to resolving the public’s concerns with the current land records system, this move is seen as a critical step toward improving transparency and efficiency in land registration processes.

Key Features of the Bhumata Portal

The Bhumata Portal is designed to streamline online land registration by offering features like instant record updates, slot booking for registration, and electronic payment of registration fees and stamp duty. Citizens can utilize Mee Seva centers to book registration slots, providing an alternative booking method. This initiative is expected to simplify the land registration process for residents, promoting efficiency and accessibility.

Engaging the Public in Legislative Reforms

During a discussion on Telangana Land Rights & Reforms, Srinivas Reddy highlighted the government’s efforts to engage the public in legislative reforms by making the draft NROR Bill available for public comment on the Chief Commissioner of Land Administration (CCLA) website. This approach encourages citizens to actively participate in shaping the legislation, ensuring that the new Rules of Regulation address public concerns effectively. The consultation period for public feedback runs from August 2 to 23, during which suggestions can be submitted via mail or email to the designated Land Legal Cell in Hyderabad. This transparent process reflects the government’s commitment to refining the Dharani system in alignment with the interests of all stakeholders.

The Bhudhaar System: Enhancing Land Identification and Security

One of the key proposals in the NROR Bill is the introduction of the Bhudhaar system, which will function similarly to the Aadhaar system but for land parcels. Each piece of land will be assigned a unique Bhudhaar number, providing a digital identification that includes coordinates, ownership history, and other relevant details. Bhudhaar cards will be issued for all lands, including those owned by governmental and community entities, as well as endowment or Wakf properties. These cards will be accessible online, offering pattadars (landowners) an integrated view of their holdings, with both temporary and permanent Bhudhaar numbers available for different categories of land.

Bhumata Portal and the Land Registration Process

The Bhumata Portal aims to enhance the land registration process by facilitating the electronic payment of stamp duty and registration fees, along with providing an online platform for slot reservations. Mee Seva centers will support this initiative by offering booking services, with a fee of Rs. 200 per transaction, covering up to 10 necessary prints, and additional printouts available at Rs. 5 each. This digital approach is expected to improve the overall efficiency and accessibility of land registration services across Telangana.

Critique of Previous Government Initiatives

Minister Srinivas Reddy has criticized the handling of the Dharani portal and the taxation and land records system by the BRS government, pointing out the shortcomings of its hurried implementation. He emphasized the need for reform, noting that the dismantling of the village-level VRO/VRA income structure and the lack of a proper grievance redressal mechanism have led to widespread dissatisfaction. The absence of a systematic settlement process for the numerous complaints related to Dharani has only heightened public discontent.

Issuance of Pattadar Passbooks and Technical Enhancements

Under the new system, pattadars will receive Bhudhaar cards for all their land parcels, accessible online, along with pattadar passbooks-cum-title deeds, which will be issued by authorized officials upon payment of the prescribed fee. The government will announce the specific method and timeline for issuing these cards. Furthermore, the Telangana government has mandated the installation of new technological modules to address potential challenges with the Bhumata Portal. This includes adjustments in stamp duties for specific agreements, such as the Special Power of Attorney (SPA) and Agreement of Sale-cum-General Power of Attorney (AGPA). The Chief Commissioner of Land Administration, along with District Collectors and the Managing Director of Telangana State Technology Services, will oversee these technical modifications to ensure the smooth operation of the Bhumata Portal.

FAQ

What is the purpose of introducing the NROR Bill 2024?

The NROR Bill 2024 aims to replace the Dharani portal with the new Bhumata Portal Telangana to address ongoing issues in land records management and enhance efficiency.

How can the public provide feedback on the NROR Bill 2024?

From August 2 to August 23, citizens can submit their feedback on the draft NROR Bill by writing to the Land Legal Cell, CCLA Office, Nampally Station Road, Hyderabad, or via email at ror2024-rev@telangana.gov.in.