Telangana Bhu Bharati Act
The Telangana government has launched the Telangana Bhu Bharati (Record of Rights) Act, 2025, to address land-related issues. This initiative follows the challenges posed by the previous Dharani portal, which was intended as a comprehensive solution for land transactions. However, the implementation led to numerous grievances among landowners. The new Act aims to rectify these issues and establish a more effective grievance redressal system.
Background of Land Issues in Telangana
The introduction of the Dharani portal in 2020 was met with backlash. Many landowners reported discrepancies in land records. Issues included incorrect categorisation of lands and missing survey numbers. The previous government’s centralised approach to grievance resolution limited accessibility for affected individuals. This resulted in increased legal disputes and dissatisfaction.
Objectives of the Bhu Bharati Act
The Bhu Bharati Act was enacted to resolve the grievances stemming from the Dharani portal. It aims to decentralise the grievance redressal process. The government sought input from stakeholders, including farmers, to identify the root causes of the problems. This participatory approach marked a shift in policy-making.
Key Features of the Bhu Bharati Act
The Act introduces several provisions. It allows for the rectification of errors in land records. It mandates surveys and map preparations before any registration or mutation. This helps minimise litigation. The Act also addresses the regularisation of sada bainamas based on factual ground conditions. It ensures timely mutation of hereditary properties.
Grievance Redressal Mechanism
A notable aspect of the Bhu Bharati Act is its two-tier grievance redressal system. Landowners can file complaints within one year of the Act’s operationalisation. Initial grievances can be addressed by the revenue divisional officer (RDO). If unresolved, they can escalate to the district collector. This process offers a more accessible alternative to the civil courts.
Cost-Free Redressal for Farmers
Farmers can now seek resolution for their grievances without incurring costs. Previously, the Dharani system required fees for lodging complaints and for escalation. The new Act eliminates these financial barriers, promoting equitable access to justice for landowners.
Implementation and Future Plans
The Bhu Bharati portal was initially launched in four mandals to test its functionality. The government plans to expand its reach by Telangana Formation Day on June 2. The new system aims to prevent complaints related to land transactions and improve overall efficiency.
Rules and Regulations
Alongside the Act, the Telangana government issued rules for its implementation. These rules outline procedures for maintaining land records, resolving disputes, and facilitating transactions. This proactive approach addresses the shortcomings of the previous legislation and aims to create a more robust land administration framework.
Month: Current Affairs - April, 2025
Category: Government Schemes Current Affairs