In a significant relief for rural inhabitants, the Maharashtra government has informed that property cards shall be issued without any charges by the Centre to villagers across the state under the Swamitva scheme. Apart from the above, the State government has decided to waive sanad fees that will further make it easier for rural people to get possession papers.
The information was revealed by Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule during a review meeting held at the Konkan Divisional Commissioner’s office. Bawankule said that the decision aims at making the procedure easier and less costly for villagers.
As per the Revenue Minister, the decision will be executed once the corrections in Gram Panchayat Form No. 8 are done. He has directed the Rural Development Department to present a proposal for approval at the earliest. Rural Development Minister Jaykumar Gore assured his support for the swift execution of the initiative.
The government expects that the above decision will lead to the resolution of several property disputes prevailing in rural areas. Besides this, clear records of property owners in these regions will make rural planning much easier.
According to officials, large scale surveys as well as measurement of property details have been successfully conducted under the scheme in various parts of Maharashtra through advanced technologies and surveying equipment. These measures have been taken after receiving necessary directions from the Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis.
The Revenue department officials mentioned that about 39 lakh rural properties have been covered till now in surveys. Furthermore, online processes have been done in respect of about 18 lakh property cards. Digital mapping works too have been accomplished in almost 23 thousand gram panchayats across Maharashtra.
Once the surveys have been completed, final maps as well as inquiries related to the properties will be given free of charge to the villagers concerned through respective gram panchayats. Properties lying outside the limits of villages will also be included in the survey process and up to 200 metres away from village settlement boundary. Officials explained that this decision will help many rural people acquire possession papers free of cost for properties lying up to 200 metres beyond their village boundary.
As per the decision, all the details like ownership name, survey number as well as property dimensions will be mentioned in these records so that villagers may get papers proving their ownership status.
The Swamitva scheme, which has been launched by the central government to bring modernization in rural land records, can be seen as a milestone in resolving disputes.
