New RoR Act to Transform Land Administration in Telangana: Key Provisions and Implications
The Telangana government has introduced a new Record of Rights (RoR) Act, aimed at enhancing land administration and addressing long-standing issues related to land ownership and rights. This act includes comprehensive provisions for adjudicating Part-B cases on the Dharani portal, impacting up to 18 lakh acres of land, and creating separate records of rights for abadi (non-agricultural) lands at the village level. This development represents a significant step toward resolving land disputes and ensuring transparency and accuracy in land records management across the state.
Key Provisions of the New RoR Act:
Adjudication of Part-B Cases on Dharani Portal:
The new RoR Act introduces specific provisions for adjudicating Part-B cases listed on the Dharani portal. Part-B cases involve disputes related to land ownership, mutations, and registrations that have not been conclusively resolved. With an estimated 18 lakh acres of land under Part-B cases, the act provides a legal framework for systematic and transparent dispute resolution. This is expected to significantly reduce the backlog of pending cases and ensure rightful land ownership.
Separate Record of Rights for Abadi Lands:
A notable feature of the new RoR Act is the creation of separate records of rights for abadi lands, which are non-agricultural lands located within village boundaries. Traditionally, land records in Telangana have focused primarily on agricultural lands, often neglecting abadi lands. By establishing distinct records for abadi lands, the government aims to bring clarity and legal recognition to non-agricultural properties at the village level, preventing encroachments and unauthorized constructions and providing property owners with clear legal titles.
Enhanced Transparency and Digital Integration:
The act emphasizes digital platforms, particularly the Dharani portal, for land registration and record-keeping. This integration aims to enhance transparency, reduce corruption, and streamline land transactions. The Dharani portal will serve as a single-window platform for all land-related transactions, including registrations, mutations, and adjudication of disputes, minimizing human intervention and reducing the scope for manipulation and fraud in land records management.
Implications of the New RoR Act:
Resolution of Long-Standing Land Disputes:
The adjudication of Part-B cases under the new RoR Act represents a significant step towards resolving long-standing land disputes in Telangana. Many of these disputes have been pending for years, causing uncertainty and distress among landowners. By providing a clear legal framework for resolving these cases, the act is expected to bring relief to thousands of landowners and restore public confidence in the land administration system.
Protection of Property Rights for Non-Agricultural Lands:
The introduction of separate records of rights for abadi lands will significantly impact property rights for non-agricultural lands in Telangana. Many abadi lands have been prone to encroachments and unauthorized constructions due to the lack of clear legal titles. With the new RoR Act, property owners will have definitive legal documents establishing their rights over abadi lands, preventing encroachments and enabling land use for construction, development, and mortgage without legal ambiguities.
Boost to Real Estate and Infrastructure Development:
The clarity and security provided by the new RoR Act are expected to boost real estate and infrastructure development in Telangana. Clear land titles and a streamlined process for land transactions will increase investor and developer confidence in the state. The act also creates a conducive environment for government initiatives related to housing, infrastructure, and industrial development, attracting more investments and accelerating economic growth.
Improved Ease of Doing Business:
The digital integration of land records management through the Dharani portal aligns with the government's goal of improving the ease of doing business in Telangana. By simplifying land transactions and reducing bureaucratic hurdles, the new RoR Act will make it easier for individuals and businesses to buy, sell, lease, and develop land. This will particularly benefit SMEs and entrepreneurs who face challenges acquiring land for their businesses. With a more efficient and transparent land administration system, Telangana can position itself as a favorable destination for investment and business growth.
Government's Commitment to Land Reforms:
The introduction of the new RoR Act reflects the Telangana government's commitment to land reforms and improving land administration. Over the past few years, the government has undertaken several initiatives to modernize land records, including the Dharani portal and the Telangana Rights in Land and Pattadar Passbooks Act. By addressing land dispute challenges and ensuring accurate land records, the government aims to create a robust and reliable land administration system that supports economic development and social justice.
The new Record of Rights Act in Telangana represents a landmark development in land administration and governance in the state. With its focus on adjudicating Part-B cases on the Dharani portal and establishing separate records for abadi lands, the act addresses critical issues related to land ownership and rights. As the government moves forward with implementing the provisions of the act, it is expected to bring about significant improvements in land management, reduce disputes, and promote economic growth in Telangana.
For additional information, consult Telangana Today and The Hindu Business Line. Back
