Maharashtra Government Launches Statewide Drive to Modernize Agricultural Land Records
In a significant move to modernize land records and strengthen farmers' land rights, the Maharashtra government has launched a comprehensive statewide initiative to physically measure subdivisions of agricultural land and assign each parcel a Unique Land Parcel Identification Number (ULPIN), popularly known as 'Bhu-Aadhaar'.
Addressing Decades of Land Record Discrepancies
Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule announced that this initiative specifically targets long-standing discrepancies between official land maps and Records of Rights (commonly known as 7/12 extracts). These inconsistencies have accumulated over decades due to the absence of physical measurements for land subdivisions created through various transactions.
According to the Revenue Department, since the first land survey conducted between 1890 and 1930—and particularly between 1992 and December 2024—approximately 2 crore 12 lakh 76 thousand 499 new land subdivisions have been created through sale, purchase, inheritance, partition, and other transactions. The lack of corresponding physical measurements has resulted in significant inconsistencies in official records.
The Comprehensive Measurement Program
Under this ambitious program, all agricultural plots across Maharashtra will undergo thorough physical measurement to update land maps and ensure they are accurately aligned with 7/12 records. Each land parcel will be allotted a ULPIN in accordance with Central government guidelines, serving as a single reference point for all land-related information—functioning similarly to an Aadhaar number for individuals.
The initiative aims to create a comprehensive digital land database as part of the state's broader digital governance push, enabling seamless access to land details for various stakeholders.
Pilot Project and Implementation Structure
The Settlement Commissioner in Pune will roll out a 'Pilot Project for Measurement of Sub-Divisions', beginning in selected areas before expanding across the entire state. Private survey institutions will be involved in the process to ensure efficiency and accuracy in measurements.
A high-level state committee has been constituted under the chairmanship of the Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue) to oversee the project. Additionally, district-level committees headed by District Collectors and taluka-level committees under Sub-Divisional Officers will conduct weekly progress reviews to ensure timely implementation.
Expected Benefits and Impact
Officials anticipate multiple benefits from this initiative:
- Reduction in land disputes through clearly defined boundaries and areas
- Accurate maps that perfectly match 7/12 extracts
- Facilitated access to crop insurance, institutional credit, and government welfare schemes
- Faster and more transparent land transactions
- Strengthened rural economy through secure land ownership verification
The inconsistencies in current records have led to complications in various areas including land transactions, crop insurance claims, bank loans, and access to government schemes—issues this initiative directly addresses.
Government's Vision and National Alignment
Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule emphasized the government's commitment, stating: "Protecting farmers' land rights and introducing transparency are top priorities. 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."
This project aligns with national efforts to digitize land records and provide farmers with secure, verifiable ownership details, marking a significant step toward modernizing India's agricultural land management system.
