Maharashtra Unveils 'Bhu-Aadhaar' Initiative to Revolutionize Farmland Documentation
In a significant move towards modernizing agricultural land records, the Maharashtra government has announced a comprehensive initiative to issue a 'Bhu-Aadhaar' for every farmland parcel across the state. Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule revealed this groundbreaking plan on Saturday, emphasizing its role in enhancing transparency and protecting farmers' rights.
Addressing Decades of Land Record Discrepancies
The core objective of this initiative is to eliminate long-standing mismatches between official land maps and the Record of Rights, commonly known as 7/12 extracts. These discrepancies have persisted for decades due to the lack of physical measurements for subdivisions created through various transactions.
"Protecting farmers' land rights and introducing transparency are our top priorities," stated Bawankule. "By ensuring that maps and 7/12 records match perfectly through this measurement drive and the introduction of Bhu-Aadhaar, we will strengthen the rural economy and provide long-term relief from land-related disputes."
The 'Bhu-Aadhaar' System: A Digital Transformation
Under this initiative, every land parcel will be assigned a Unique Land Parcel Identification Number (ULPIN), popularly termed 'Bhu-Aadhaar.' This unique identifier will serve as a single reference point for all land-related information, functioning similarly to an Aadhaar card for individuals.
The physical measurement of all plots will be updated with maps and accurately aligned with 7/12 records. This will create a precise digital database that facilitates seamless access to land details as part of digital governance efforts.
The Scale of the Challenge
The need for this initiative becomes clear when examining historical data. Since the first land survey conducted between 1890 and 1930, and particularly from 1992 to December 2024, a staggering 2,12,76,499 new subdivisions have been formed across Maharashtra.
These subdivisions resulted from various transactions including:
- Sales and purchases
- Inheritance arrangements
- Property partitions
- Other land transfers
The absence of corresponding physical measurements for these subdivisions has led to significant discrepancies in official records, resulting in disputes and complications in multiple areas.
Pilot Project and Implementation Strategy
To address this monumental task, the Settlement Commissioner in Pune is launching a 'Pilot Project for Measurement of Sub-Divisions.' The project will begin in selected areas before scaling statewide, with involvement from private survey institutions to ensure efficiency and accuracy.
A multi-tiered committee structure has been established to oversee implementation:
- A high-level state committee chaired by the additional chief secretary (Revenue)
- District-level committees under district collectors
- Taluka-level committees under sub-divisional officers
These committees will conduct weekly reviews to monitor progress and address implementation challenges.
Expected Benefits for Farmers and Rural Economy
The initiative promises numerous benefits for Maharashtra's agricultural community:
Reduction in Land Disputes: Clearly defined boundaries and areas will help reduce mutual land disputes that have plagued rural areas for generations.
Improved Access to Services: Accurate and matching maps aligned with 7/12 extracts will ensure easier access to essential services including crop insurance, bank loans, and government scheme benefits with reliable digital records.
Streamlined Transactions: The system promises faster, more transparent processes for land buying, selling, and other transactions, eliminating bureaucratic hurdles that have historically complicated land dealings.
Alignment with National Digital Initiatives
This project aligns with broader national efforts to digitize land records and empower farmers with secure, verifiable ownership details. By creating a comprehensive digital land database, Maharashtra is positioning itself at the forefront of agricultural land reform in India.
The 'Bhu-Aadhaar' initiative represents a transformative approach to land record management that could serve as a model for other states facing similar challenges with agricultural land documentation and transparency.
