During the Lok Sabha elections in 2023, In the Congress ‘Abhaya Hasta’ Manifesto, The Land administration section emphasised the need for a more transparent portal, on which the land ownership rights will be allocated and provided with a remedy to all those farmers who have suffered due to Dharani Portal.

Image source: Congress Election 2023 Manifesto

Dharani portal will be replaced with a more transparent new BHUMATHA PORTAL and undertake a comprehensive land survey based on which the land ownership rights will be allocated and provide a remedy to all those farmers who suffered due to Dharani Portal. - Congress Election 2023 Manifesto

Following this, The Telangana state government has been actively working towards making this manifesto a reality. On 2nd August 2024, Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy addressed the existing issues with the Dharani portal land records system by introducing the "New Record of Rights (NROR) Bill 2024." This bill aims to amend the existing Record of Rights (RoR) Act, replacing the outdated Dharani portal with the innovative Bhumata portal.

Image source: Telangana Today

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Engaging the Public in Legislative Process

Revenue Minister Srinivas Reddy announced that the draft NROR Bill is now available for public review on the Chief Commissioner of Land Administration (CCLA) website. www.ccla.telangana.gov.in. The government is actively encouraging citizens to provide their feedback and suggestions on the proposed legislation. This initiative not only promotes widespread public participation in the legislative process but also ensures that the new RoR will effectively address the concerns of the people. The given consultation period is running from August 2 to 23, Citizens can send the suggestions on the official email ror2024-rev@telangana.gov.in or by post to  ‘Land Legal Cell, CCLA Office, Nampally Station Road, opposite Annapurna Hotel, Abids, Hyderabad.’

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Introducing the Bhudhaar System

The draft bill states that every parcel of land to which the Act applies shall be automatically assigned a Unique Bhudhaar number, on the lines of Aadhaar. Bhudhaar cards will also be issued to lands, Similar to the Aadhar system for individuals. Bhudhaar shall take into consideration the geographical location of the parcel of the land, its shape determined by the coordinates of its corner points and ownership as per the Record of Rights - 1B. 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.

Bhudhaar numbers, both temporary and permanent, from reserved series may be assigned to parcels of land belonging to the central or state government, local bodies or community, or land classified as ‘endowment’ or ‘Wakf’.

These temporary and permanent Bhudhaar cards will be generated and made accessible online to the pattadars or landowners. The government will inform how and when these cards will be available soon. 

Bhumata Portal streamlines Land Registrations 

Revenue Minister Srinivas Reddy has openly criticized the previous BRS government for its management of the revenue and land records system and Dharani portal. He pointed out that the rushed implementation of the Dharani portal and the elimination of the VRO/VRA revenue system at the village level led to numerous unresolved grievances. BRS failed to give any resolution. 

With the launch of Bhumata Portal, The Government can streamline land registration and facilitate instant updating of land records. 

1. Citizens can book registration slots, Pay charges and stamp duty completely online. 

2. MeeSeva centres will also be equipped with slot booking services for Bhumata Portal.
User Charges mentioned- slot booking at Mee Seva centers is Rs. 200 per transaction, including up to 10 necessary printouts, with additional printouts available at Rs. 5 each.

Conclusion: 

The NROR Bill and Bhumata portal do showcase a huge potential for addressing the current land record issues in Telangana. The government aims to improve efficiency and promote transparency. It includes stakeholders at every level involved in land management and registration and by modernizing it, The Government of Telangana is ensuring ease of access to land related services.

For more details:

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Read the complete NROR Bill 2024: https://ccla.telangana.gov.in/previewPage.do?fileName=%2bx9DuTVPCfQheY6g6XIGWE4o2287z3SoUAyOVhMA%2fKcil3Fvu4B1givnuWJOVmaIST%2bA%2bJ04wqDeHDYPl1xyTg%3d%3d

Read the Congress Manifesto: https://www.newstap.in/pdf_upload/manifesto-2023-english-book-42-pages-final-1561199.pdf