Chandrashekhar Bawankule : 18 important decisions of the Revenue Department

In a significant administrative overhaul, the Maharashtra Revenue Department, under the leadership of Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, has implemented 18 key policy reforms aimed at providing substantial relief to farmers, homeowners, and citizens across the state. The reforms are part of a bold initiative titled the "Seven-Point Action Plan in 100 Days", inspired by the vision of Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Over the past few weeks, the department has focused on making governance more transparent, accessible, and citizen-centric.

Key Reforms Announced

1. Sand Depot Reforms:
   The government has decided to shut down state-run sand depots. In a move to streamline distribution, sand will now be sold through auctions, with 10% reserved for housing construction.

2. Simplified Property Registration:
   Citizens can now register property at any sub-registrar’s office across the state, eliminating the need to visit specific offices.

3. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Revenue Satisfaction Camps:
   Special grievance redressal camps are being organized under this initiative to resolve long-pending issues.

4. Special Abhay Yojana:
   A new amnesty scheme has been launched to regularize land leases for Sindhi displaced persons.

5. Heir Records Digitization:
   Through the 'Jiwant Satbara' campaign, heir information has been updated on over 5 lakh land accounts of deceased holders.

6. Mandatory Use of M-Sand:
   The use of manufactured sand (M-sand) is now compulsory, promoting eco-friendly construction practices.

7. Encroachment Removal:
   Action has been initiated to remove illegal encroachments on agricultural lands.

8. Legal Recognition for Farm Roads:
   Farm access roads will now receive legal status, improving connectivity and infrastructure for farmers.

9. Revised Civil Registration Law:
   The birth and death registration act has been amended, enhancing accuracy and efficiency.

10. Drone-Based Mine Inspections:
    Drone technology will be used to inspect mines for safety and compliance.

11. E-Stamp Facility at Home:
    Citizens can now obtain e-stamp certificates from the comfort of their homes.

12. Free Agricultural Inputs:
    Farmers and underprivileged citizens will receive free silt, soil, and organic manure.

13. Doorstep Sand Delivery:
    Sand required for house construction will be delivered directly to homes.

14. Stamp Duty Relief for Students:
    The Rs. 500 stamp fee for student documentation has been abolished.

15. 'Salokha' Scheme Deadline Extended:
    The deadline for this dispute-resolution scheme for agricultural land issues has been extended.

16. State Committee for Land Rights Campaign:
    A special committee has been established to oversee the "My Land, My Rights" campaign.

17. 80 New District Collectors Appointed:
    The government has appointed 80 new district collectors to improve administrative capacity.

18. ‘Naaksha’ Project Approved:
    The Naaksha project has been greenlit to enhance the precision of urban land resource mapping.

A Reform-Driven Outlook

These decisions, implemented within a span of just 100 days, mark a transformative step in land management, farmer support, and citizen services in Maharashtra. With digitization, transparency, and citizen convenience at the core, the Revenue Department’s reforms are expected to significantly ease bureaucratic hurdles and improve public trust in governance.