In a landmark decision poised to revolutionise land administration, the Maharashtra government has formally granted full legal validity to digitally signed land record extracts. The move, announced on Thursday, mandates that all departments, courts, banks, and registration offices across the state must accept these digital documents, effectively dismantling a system notorious for bureaucratic delays and manual processes.
A Historic Shift in Land Administration
State Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule issued directives to all district collectors, instructing them to implement the new system immediately. He described the policy change as a "proud moment for Maharashtra" that will liberate citizens from a cycle of inconvenience and potential corruption. "By removing dependency on manual signatures and stamps, we are ending decades-old harassment, delays, and corruption at the grassroots level," Bawankule stated. He emphasised that farmers and landowners will no longer need to wait in long queues or rely on intermediaries for basic land documents.
How the New Digital System Works
Effective immediately, citizens can access and download certified copies of crucial land documents—including the 7/12 extract, 8-A, and property card extracts—online through the state's Mahabhumi portal. The service is available for a nominal fee of ₹15. Each digitally signed extract incorporates multiple security features to prevent fraud:
- An authenticated digital signature from the revenue department.
- A scannable QR code for instant verification.
- A unique 16-digit verification number for tracking and authenticity checks.
This reform officially abolishes the long-standing requirement for a talathi's physical stamp and signature on these documents, a major source of bottlenecks.
Implications for Citizens and Governance
The directive ensures universal acceptance, meaning no government authority can refuse a digitally signed land extract for official purposes. This applies to a wide range of critical processes:
- Applying for agricultural or housing loans from banks.
- Executing property registration and sale deeds.
- Submitting documents for legal verification in courts.
Officials believe this reform will significantly streamline land transactions, reduce property disputes stemming from manipulated or outdated paper records, and strengthen overall digital governance. It is seen as a foundational step toward creating a fully digitised, secure, and citizen-centric land management ecosystem in Maharashtra.
Administrators anticipate a substantial reduction in footfall at talathi and tehsil offices, while simultaneously improving the accuracy of land records through built-in digital verification tools. The move promises to deliver a transparent, affordable, and instant solution available 24×7 to millions of landowners across the state.
