The Telangana government plans to overhaul land record processes with the proposed Dharani draft bill (Telangana Record of Rights Bill, 2024). The bill aims to address issues in the current Dharani Act by reducing the number of modules from 33 to 10, simplifying user access. It introduces a structured appellate system with the Revenue Divisional Officer and Collector to handle grievances, aiming to reduce court disputes. Additionally, the bill requires public objections for succession claims to enhance transparency. The government will consult rural communities over three months to refine the bill, aiming for a more efficient land administration system.
The Telangana government is set to introduce significant changes to land record processes with the proposed Dharani draft bill (Telangana Record of Rights Bill, 2024). The new bill aims to address shortcomings in the existing Dharani Act implemented by the previous government. The bill focuses on streamlining the application process, reducing the number of modules, and establishing a clear system for addressing grievances.
One of the primary criticisms of the old Dharani portal was its complexity. It had 33 different modules for various land-related issues, complicating the application process for users. Many applicants found themselves stuck in loops, where the system would reject applications merely because they were submitted through an inappropriate module, often due to lack of guidance. This left many people, especially the illiterate, without the support they needed to navigate the system successfully. The proposed new bill simplifies this by consolidating the numerous modules into just ten, providing a single entry point for all applications. This change is expected to make the process much more user-friendly.
Another major improvement in the new bill lies in the appellate mechanism. Under the old Dharani Act, there were no provisions for revenue officials to correct errors in land records, which often forced citizens to seek legal solutions in court for basic issues. The new bill introduces a structure where the Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) serves as the first appellate authority, with an additional collector reviewing their decisions. At the top of this structure is the Office of the Chief Land Administration (OCLA), which will oversee appeals further up the hierarchy. This restoration of a systematic review process aims to make it easier for citizens to address and resolve issues without lengthy court battles.
Furthermore, officials have recognised the need to improve how land rights are determined. Previous laws allowed for succession claims without proper scrutiny, leading to disputes. The new bill proposes to require public objections before land rights are conferred based on succession claims, thereby adding a layer of transparency and accountability to the process. This should help prevent conflicts and ensure that land rights are established fairly.
In an effort to make the new system more effective, the government plans to involve rural communities in the development of the new bill. Officials, including district collectors, will spend time in villages to gather feedback from farmers and landowners. This grassroots approach aims to ensure that the final legislation is practical and meets the real needs of the people it serves. The proposed timeline for this consultation and drafting phase is approximately three months, after which the bill will be moved toward becoming law.
The new Dharani draft bill represents a significant shift in the approach to land administration in Telangana. With an emphasis on simplification and user accessibility, the government hopes to rectify previous shortcomings and create a more efficient system. The anticipated changes could transform the experience of landowners and potential buyers alike, ultimately fostering a more robust agricultural and real estate environment in the state. As the government moves forward, many will be watching closely to see how these proposed reforms unfold and impact the lives of Telangana's residents.
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