Bihar Government Extends Land Survey Deadline to 2026

The Bihar government has announced an extension of the statewide land survey deadline by one year. This decision aims to alleviate public inconveniences caused by the ongoing land survey and settlement process. Dipak Kumar Singh, the additional chief secretary of the Bihar revenue and land reforms department, confirmed that the new deadline is now set for July 2026. The survey is crucial for digitising land records and resolving longstanding land disputes.

Background of the Land Survey

The current land survey in Bihar is an effort to update land records. The last comprehensive survey was conducted in 1911 during British rule. The government aims to provide accurate land records to mitigate disputes and enhance transparency. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to ensure land is allocated to the landless and to facilitate infrastructure development.

Progress of the Survey

As of now, the survey is nearing completion in 20 of the 38 districts, covering over 5,657 villages. The remaining 18 districts will soon commence their surveys, which will encompass an additional 37,384 villages. The reduction in land-related crime incidents from over 60% to 46.69% indicates a positive impact of the ongoing survey efforts.

National Geospatial Knowledge-based Land Survey of Urban Habitations (NAKSHA)

In conjunction with the state survey, the central government is launching NAKSHA. This programme focuses on creating land records for urban areas. Six urban local bodies have been recommended for this initiative. Digital land records will facilitate better resource management and improve policy planning.

Bhoodan Andolan Land Identification

The state government is also working on identifying land donated during the Bhoodan Andolan, initiated by Gandhian Vinoba Bhave. A commission formed in 2017 has reported on the genuineness of these donations. So far, over 2,56,664 acres have been distributed, with around 1,04,958 acres deemed suitable for further distribution to landless individuals.

Vesting of Bettiah Raj Properties Act 2024

The Bihar government is taking over approximately 15,358 acres from the Bettiah Raj estate, one of the largest zamindaris in the state. The ‘Vesting of Bettiah Raj Properties Act’ has been notified, and draft rules are being prepared. Once approved, the government will proceed with the acquisition process, further contributing to land reform efforts in Bihar.

Future Implications

The ongoing land survey and related initiatives are expected to impact land ownership transparency, reduce disputes, and enhance resource allocation for infrastructure projects. The digitisation of land records is a step towards modernising land management in Bihar.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Examine the significance of land reforms in promoting social equity in India.
2. Discuss in the light of historical land ownership patterns, the impact of the Bhoodan Andolan on contemporary land distribution in Bihar.
3. Critically discuss the challenges faced by the Bihar government in implementing the land survey effectively.
4. With suitable examples, discuss the role of technology in enhancing land record management in India.

Answer Hints:

1. Examine the significance of land reforms in promoting social equity in India.

1. Land reforms aim to redistribute land to landless and marginalized communities, encouraging social justice.
2. Providing secure land tenure helps improve livelihoods and reduces poverty among disadvantaged groups.
3. Land reforms can mitigate caste and class disparities by empowering historically marginalized populations.
4. Successful land reforms contribute to economic growth by increasing agricultural productivity and investment.
5. They enhance political stability by reducing land-related conflicts and promoting inclusive governance.

2. Discuss in the light of historical land ownership patterns, the impact of the Bhoodan Andolan on contemporary land distribution in Bihar.

1. The Bhoodan Andolan aimed to address historical injustices in land ownership by encouraging land donations.
2. It led to the redistribution of over 2.5 lakh acres of land to landless individuals, impacting social equity.
3. Contemporary land distribution in Bihar reflects the legacy of the movement, with ongoing efforts to identify and allocate Bhoodan lands.
4. The movement brought into light the importance of community participation in land reforms and social mobilization.
5. Challenges remain in ensuring that the distributed land is utilized effectively and reaches the intended beneficiaries.

3. Critically discuss the challenges faced by the Bihar government in implementing the land survey effectively.

1. Resistance from landowners and local power dynamics can hinder the survey process and data accuracy.
2. Inadequate infrastructure and resources for conducting surveys across vast and diverse terrains pose logistical challenges.
3. Public awareness and education about the survey’s benefits are crucial for community cooperation and participation.
4. Ensuring the accuracy of digitized records amidst historical discrepancies in land ownership is challenge.
5. Political will and continuity of governance are essential for sustaining momentum and addressing emerging issues during the survey.

4. With suitable examples, discuss the role of technology in enhancing land record management in India.

1. Digital land records reduce paperwork, enhance accessibility, and improve transparency in land ownership.
2. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are used for mapping land parcels, aiding in dispute resolution and planning.
3. Online portals for land registration streamline processes and reduce corruption, as seen in states like Maharashtra.
4. Mobile applications facilitate real-time access to land records for farmers and stakeholders, improving service delivery.
5. Technological integration in land management supports data-driven policy-making and efficient resource allocation.