Telangana Government Scraps Controversial Land Law

The Congress government in Telangana has recently announced the scrapping of the Telangana Rights in Land and Pattadar Pass Books Act, 2020, and introduced the Dharani online land records system. However, it faced extensive criticism for inaccuracies, missing passbooks, and inadequate grievance handling. Many landowners reported unresolved issues, prompting legal disputes.

Background of the Dharani System

The Dharani system was launched to streamline land records in Telangana, aimed to digitize land ownership and simplify the process for landowners. Despite these intentions, the system became notorious for its flaws, leading to widespread dissatisfaction among citizens.

Criticism and Electoral Promises

During the 2023 Assembly elections, the Congress party capitalized on the public discontent surrounding Dharani. They promised to reform the land records system and address the grievances of affected landowners. This commitment played a role in securing voter support for the Congress party.

Introduction of the Bhu Bharathi Bill

In response to the ongoing issues, the Congress government has introduced the Bhu Bharathi Bill. This new legislation aims to rectify the shortcomings of the Dharani system. It seeks to establish a more user-friendly portal for land record management, catering to both agricultural and non-agricultural lands.

Key Features of the Bhu Bharathi Bill

The Bhu Bharathi Bill includes several features, provides a mechanism for dispute resolution and allows for appeals. The bill also proposes a comprehensive re-survey of land to ensure accurate records. Additionally, it aims to safeguard government lands and replace the problematic Dharani system with an improved platform.

The Congress government is actively promoting the Bhu Bharathi Bill. They view it as a means to regain the trust of rural and farming communities. The bill is presented as a reliable solution to long-standing land issues, aiming to encourage confidence among landowners and enhance governance in the sector.

GKToday Notes:

1. Dharani: Dharani was an online land records system introduced in Telangana. It aimed to digitise land ownership but faced criticism for inaccuracies and unresolved complaints from landowners.
2. Bhu Bharathi Bill: The Bhu Bharathi Bill seeks to replace the flawed Dharani system. It aims to create a user-friendly portal and includes mechanisms for dispute resolution and appeals.
3. Pattadar Pass Books: Pattadar Pass Books are documents that certify land ownership in Telangana. They are crucial for landowners, but many faced issues with missing or incorrect records under Dharani.
4. Ponguleti Sudhakar Reddy: Ponguleti Sudhakar Reddy is Telangana’s Revenue Minister. He has publicly criticised the Dharani system, claiming it created more problems than it solved for landowners.

Month: Current Affairs - December, 2024

Category: States Current Affairs