The Maharashtra state government has delegated powers to district collectors and divisional commissioners to clear transactions involving government and nazul land without requiring state-level approval. This move, announced through a circular issued by the Revenue and Forest Department on Thursday, aims to cut delays in revenue administration.
Scope of Delegation
The delegation covers sale, transfer, redevelopment, FSI use, TDR transfer, and change of land use under Section 37-A of the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code, 1966. District collectors can now approve cases where the premium or unearned income involved is up to Rs 10 lakh. Divisional commissioners can clear cases between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 20 lakh. Only cases above Rs 20 lakh will require state government approval.
Minister's Statement
Nagpur guardian minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule said that under Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the revenue department has taken an important decision to boost ease of doing business. Bawankule stated that the decentralisation would bring relief to applicants whose files had been stuck at the state level for years. He added, "This is another step toward decisive administration, faster service and a more accessible revenue system."
Special Drive and Reporting
The circular also directs all district collectors to conduct a three-month special drive to identify unauthorised transactions on government and nazul land within their jurisdictions and regularise them within the prescribed financial limits. Cases involving violations above Rs 20 lakh must be referred to the state government immediately.
Furthermore, the circular mandates that all collectors submit a detailed report on transactions carried out in the past three months, along with a compliance review of conditions attached to earlier approvals.
Amendment of Previous Notifications
The order amends and supersedes earlier notifications dated December 2015, September 2016, and a Government Resolution dated July 2023.
