Salokha Yojana Extended: Big Relief for Farmers Amid Land Dispute Woes
In a much-needed move aimed at addressing the long-pending land ownership disputes among farmers, the Maharashtra government has extended the ‘Salokha Yojana’ until January 1, 2027. Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule officially announced the extension, offering relief to thousands of families affected by agricultural land conflicts.
Land Disputes Plague Rural Maharashtra
Disputes over land ownership are common in villages across the state. From issues related to land measurement, dam construction, road encroachments, and possession, these disagreements have not only led to legal battles—with lakhs of cases pending in courts—but also caused deep rifts within families. Minister Bawankule emphasized how such disputes, if unresolved, damage relationships across generations and result in financial and emotional distress.
‘Salokha Yojana’ Offers a Path to Peaceful Settlement
Launched on January 1, 2023, the Salokha Yojana was designed to offer a cost-effective and simplified solution for settling mutual land possession issues without court intervention. Under this scheme:
A stamp duty of only ₹1,000 is charged (as opposed to the typically high fees involved in property transactions).
A registration fee of ₹1,000 is also applied, making the process highly affordable.
The scheme was initially set to expire on January 2, 2025, but has now been extended by two years due to its success and growing demand among the farming community.
How the Scheme Works
The scheme enables official registration of land possession changes in cases where:
The land owned by one farmer is under the possession of another.
Both parties agree to the exchange and wish to formalize it without prolonged court procedures.
By facilitating such mutual agreement registrations, the scheme avoids costly legal battles and preserves family ties. It also ensures the rightful ownership is documented without the need for litigation.
Farmers Respond Positively
According to the Revenue Department, the scheme has been well-received across rural Maharashtra, drawing comparisons to the popularity of the Ladki Bahin Yojana. Information about Salokha Yojana has reached the grassroots level and is being welcomed enthusiastically by farmers eager to resolve longstanding disputes.
Looking Ahead
The decision to extend the Salokha Yojana underscores the government's commitment to easing the burden on farmers and promoting harmony in rural communities. With legal hassles avoided and formal ownership secured, the scheme is expected to continue transforming lives until its new deadline in January 2027.