Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Government has put on hold the distribution of Bhoodan land and the related mutation process following concerns over procedural lapses and inadequate verification of land records, officials said on Sunday.
According to the Revenue and Disaster Management Department, instances have come to light where Bhoodan land was being allotted to beneficiaries without full compliance with the prevailing rules and without proper scrutiny of land records. Officials said such irregularities could lead to legal complications at the time of mutation and while updating land title deeds.
In view of these concerns, the department has decided to suspend the distribution of Bhoodan land as well as the mutation process in favour of beneficiaries until further orders.
Additional Chief Secretary of the Revenue and Disaster Management Department, Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, issued the directive through an official communication addressed to all Revenue Divisional Commissioners (RDCs), the Inspector General of Registration (IGR), District Collectors, and the Directorate of Land Records and Surveys.
The State Government has also directed that registration authorities shall not register any transfer of Bhoodan land that has already been distributed and where mutation has been completed, with immediate effect.
All District Collectors have been asked to furnish within one month detailed reports on land donated to the Bhoodan Yagna Samiti, land distributed from it, land recorded in hal records, and land allotted to beneficiaries.
RDCs, District Collectors, and other concerned officers have been instructed to ensure strict compliance with the order and to issue necessary directions to Deputy Collectors, Tehsildars, and field-level officials for its implementation.
