Officials Must Upload Land Records by August 14, Says Revenue Minister
Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy has directed officials to upload all land records online by August 14. This move aims to enhance transparency and prevent the use of forged documents in property registrations.
Key takeaways
- Officials must upload all land records online by August 14.
- The directive aims to prevent forged documents and clarify property claims.
- Registration applications for prohibited properties need timely examination.
- Transparency measures include access to pahani records for sub-registrars.
Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy has issued a directive for the online uploading of all records related to land regularization by August 14. This includes Government Orders, circulars, memos, land acquisition proceedings, and layout approvals.
What Happened
Addressing Collectors and Sub-Registrars from four districts, Mr. Reddy instructed officials to digitize and upload all pertinent land records. This action is a response to widespread complaints from property owners facing difficulties in registering or transferring land listed under Section 22-A of the Registration Act, often referred to as the Prohibited Properties (POB) list. The Minister stated that the current government has not added any new properties to this list and pledged to address issues arising from past administrative and legal actions, promising relief to affected landowners.
Why It Matters
The initiative seeks to eliminate the use of fraudulent documents and empower registration authorities to more accurately differentiate between legitimate and fabricated property claims. By making records accessible online, the government aims to streamline the registration process and build greater certainty for property owners. The Minister emphasized that preventing disputes is as vital as resolving them and mandated daily reviews of applications concerning prohibited properties.
Key Facts
- Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy announced the directive.
- Officials are required to upload land records online by August 14.
- The uploaded records will include Government Orders, circulars, memos, land acquisition proceedings, and layout approvals.
- The directive was given during a meeting with Collectors and Sub-Registrars from Hyderabad, Rangareddy, Medchal-Malkajgiri, and Sangareddy districts.
- The move is intended to combat forged documents and improve the distinction between genuine and fraudulent property claims.
- The Minister assured that the current government has not added new lands to the Section 22-A prohibited list.
- Registration applications for POB-listed properties must be examined within three days.
- Sub-Registrars will be given access to pahani records to enhance transparency.
- District Collectors are to scrutinize POB/Section 22-A applications, identify genuine cases, and expedite their disposal.
- Daily reviews of prohibited property applications are mandated for Collectors.
- Sub-Registrars are instructed to process applications based solely on available online records.
- Government lands will be safeguarded with stringent action for irregularities.
- Recent integration of agricultural, non-agricultural, and prohibited property lists has led to some properties being flagged, causing delays.
Background
Complaints have arisen from property owners across the state regarding restrictions on the registration and transfer of properties included in the Section 22-A prohibited list. A recent report highlighted instances where owners of legally acquired properties were unable to conduct transactions because entire survey numbers were designated as prohibited. The Minister acknowledged that the merger of different property lists has contributed to some of these issues.
What Happens Next
Officials are to ensure all relevant records are uploaded by the August 14 deadline. Registration authorities are expected to examine applications for POB-listed properties within three days and provide specific reasons for any rejections. Collectors will conduct daily reviews of applications, and Sub-Registrars will operate within the parameters of the online system, avoiding discretionary powers. Decisions on properties flagged during scrutiny will require cross-verification with the newly uploaded online records.
Story by Project Chintan
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