High-level review underscores reform momentum; Minister calls for department to lead by example

 

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, MAY 4, 2026

Asserting that the Revenue Department of Odisha must emerge as a trendsetter for other departments while strengthening citizen-centric service delivery, Minister Suresh Pujari chaired a high-level review meeting of the Revenue and Disaster Management Department on Monday at Lok Seva Bhawan in its newly renovated conference hall.

During the meeting, a comprehensive presentation showcased the Department’s key achievements, ongoing transparent initiatives and future roadmap. Detailed deliberations were held on a wide range of departmental issues, incorporating the Minister’s guidance and suggestions. On the occasion, the Minister stressed the need to further intensify reforms to make revenue services more accessible, efficient and citizen-centric.

It is noteworthy that under the ongoing correction process of Column-2 Records of Rights (RoRs), approximately 62,25,502 land records have been surveyed, out of which 58,09,722 records have been fully corrected. To facilitate and simplify this large-scale exercise, a dedicated mobile application has also been developed.

To streamline and standardize the sub-plot registration process across the State, the Department has issued a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). Under the Odisha Right to Public Services (ORTPS) Act, more than one crore services were delivered in the last financial year, covering land records, registration and certification services.

In a major push towards digital service delivery, 11 revenue services have been integrated into the “Ama Sathi” unified WhatsApp chatbot, enabling citizens to conveniently access services from their homes. Additionally, 108 new Sub-Registrar offices were made operational during 2025–26, significantly improving public access. Online demarcation services have also been introduced, ensuring greater transparency and time-bound service delivery.

Further strengthening digital governance, the “e-Registration Odisha” mobile application now offers facilities such as online slot booking for document registration, issuance of Encumbrance Certificates (EC), and Certified Copies (CC). Several progressive steps have also been taken towards simplifying apartment registration and advancing land reforms. A provision has been introduced allowing Associations of Allottees to pay a nominal stamp duty of ₹50,000 for registration of common areas and facilities. Similarly, a 5 per cent stamp duty has been prescribed on the undivided share of common areas during the sale of individual apartment units.

Significant amendments have been made to the Odisha Survey and Settlement Rules, 1962, empowering Tahasildars to correct pre-settlement land records. Land classification has been rationalized, reducing 7,797 categories (Kisam) to just 22. Likewise, 750 categories of ‘Satwa’ have been simplified into four broad groups — Raiyati/Stitiban, Pattadar, Dharmanusthan and Amrutmanohi.

In a move aimed at promoting MSMEs and startups, exemptions have been granted from obtaining Change of Land Use (CLU) permission. Public opinion has also been invited for correcting the English spellings of 57 place names across districts, subdivisions, blocks and tahasils, with the process expected to be completed soon to ensure standardization in line with Odia pronunciation.

Further, a dedicated Shri Jagannath Land Cell has been established within the Department to ensure protection and proper management of land belonging to Lord Jagannath in Puri.

A new transfer policy has also been introduced for Odisha Administrative Service (OAS) and Odisha Revenue Service (ORS) officers to enhance transparency and accountability in administration.

Under the Vasundhara Scheme, 28,531 landless families have been allotted homestead land measuring four decimals each. In addition, land pattas have been issued in favour of 25,643 Government and Government-aided educational institutions.

As a key arm of the State Government, the Revenue and Disaster Management Department continues to work with renewed commitment towards ensuring transparent, accountable and citizen-centric public service delivery. The meeting was attended by the Additional Chief Secretary, Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, along with other senior officials of the Department.