In a significant move, the Maharashtra government has revised the rules for land census, marking a major change after 14 years. Now, the process of surveying government land will be completed within three months instead of the earlier six, but at double the cost. This article breaks down the new rules, rates, and their impact, especially on farmers and landowners.
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What’s New in Maharashtra’s Government Land Census?
The Maharashtra government has streamlined the land survey process, reducing the time required for the completion of surveys but increasing the costs involved. The new system will now operate with two types of land census: regular census and fast census. These changes are set to take effect from December 1, 2024.
Changes in Survey Time and Cost
Under the new rules, the government aims to complete land surveys in just three months instead of the earlier six-month timeframe. While this is a major improvement in terms of speed, the cost of these surveys has seen a significant increase. This change will primarily affect the agricultural sector, as more focus is being placed on rural land surveys, especially for farmland.
Types of Land Census
Previously, the government divided the land census into three categories: regular, urgent, and very urgent. Each category had its own fee structure. However, under the revised system, land census will now fall under two categories: regular census and fast census. This simplified categorization will make the process more transparent for farmers and landowners, helping them understand the costs involved.
Survey Rates in Rural Areas
In rural areas, the cost of land surveys has increased with the introduction of the new system. As of December 1, 2024, the cost for a regular census (periodic survey) has been set at ₹2,000. In addition, for every additional two hectares, an extra ₹1,000 will be charged.
Previously, the cost for surveying 2 hectares of land was ₹1,000. This increase in charges has led to some dissatisfaction among farmers, as they feel the new rates put additional financial strain on them. However, the faster completion time might compensate for the higher cost.
For fast census, the rates are even higher: ₹8,000 for the first 2 hectares, and ₹4,000 for each additional 2 hectares. The increased rates are likely to affect farmers with large land holdings, who now have to pay significantly more for expedited surveys.
Reduced Survey Rates for Urban Areas
On the other hand, urban land survey rates have been reduced. Previously, a fee of ₹1,000 was charged for surveying 10 plots in urban areas. However, the new rules introduce a limit of 1 hectare (100 gunthas) per survey, and the rate for regular surveys has been reduced to ₹3,000 for this area. For land that exceeds this size, an additional ₹1,000 per hectare will be charged.
For fast census in urban areas, the cost has also been revised. The fee for the first hectare is now ₹12,000, with ₹6,000 added for each additional hectare surveyed. The changes in urban land survey rates have been seen as a relief for property owners in cities and towns, as the costs have been made more reasonable.
Impact on Farmers and Landowners
The changes in survey rules and rates will have mixed effects on farmers and landowners. While the reduction in urban land survey costs is seen as beneficial, the increase in rural land survey fees is a cause for concern. Farmers are particularly vocal about the higher charges for fast surveys, which could burden them financially.
However, the reduced time required to complete the survey process will undoubtedly help farmers and landowners resolve land-related issues faster, allowing them to make more timely decisions about land usage and development.
Government’s Rationale Behind the Changes
The Maharashtra government’s decision to revise the land survey rules is likely a response to growing demands for quicker, more efficient land surveys. With increasing land disputes and the need for better land management, streamlining the survey process is seen as a necessary step. The increased costs may be a result of efforts to improve infrastructure and employ more resources to speed up the surveys.
Conclusion: What Does This Mean for You?
The new government land census rules in Maharashtra are a double-edged sword. While the reduction in survey time is a welcome change, the increased costs may put a strain on rural landowners and farmers, especially those who opt for fast surveys. Urban landowners, on the other hand, stand to benefit from the reduced survey rates.
As the implementation of these new rules begins in December 2024, it will be important for landowners to understand the revised rates and procedures to ensure they are prepared for the changes. Farmers and landowners should also keep an eye on government notifications for any further revisions to land survey regulations.