Bhu Bharathi Act: Telangana Makes GPS Mandatory for Land Registration

Introduction

The Bhu Bharathi Act is a landmark legislation introduced by the Telangana government to modernize the state’s land management practices. With the implementation of GPS technology, the Act seeks to create an accurate and immutable digital repository of land records. The introduction of such reforms is poised to transform the state’s real estate and agricultural landscapes.

Table of Contents

• Focus on GPS-Enabled Registrations
• How the Act Modernizes Land Records?
• Need for the Bhu Bharati Act in Telangana
• Challenges with Traditional Land Systems
• Addressing Land Disputes with GPS Technology
• Supporting Agricultural Development
• Strengthening Urban Development
• Combatting Corruption and Fraud
• Understanding the Telangana Bhu Bharathi Bill
• Key Features of the Bhu Bharathi Bill
• Frequently Asked Questions

Telangana has taken a monumental step in reforming its land registration system with the introduction of the Bhu Bharathi Act. Which mandates the use of GPS technology for all land registrations. This progressive move aims to eliminate disputes, enhance transparency, and establish precise land ownership records.

Focus on GPS-Enabled Registrations

Global Positioning System (GPS) technology ensures exact boundary mapping, preventing ambiguities in land demarcation. By integrating GPS, the Bhubharati Act guarantees precision, drastically reducing disputes over land boundaries.

How the Act Modernizes Land Records?

The Telangana Record of Rights (RoR) Act modernizes land records in Telangana by:

• Digital platforms: The act emphasizes digital platforms, like the Dharani portal, for land registration and record-keeping.
• Single-window platform: The Dharani portal serves as a single-window platform for all land-related transactions.
• Bhu Bharathi: The act includes a unique identification for land parcels called Bhu Bharathi, similar to Aadhar.
• Reduced corruption: The act aims to reduce corruption by minimizing human intervention and the scope for manipulation and fraud.
• Streamlined transactions: The act aims to streamline land transactions.

Need for the Bhu Bharati Act in Telangana

Land administration has long been a challenge in India, with Telangana being no exception. The traditional systems of land registration and record-keeping have faced numerous obstacles, from inefficiencies in governance to escalating land disputes. The Bhu Bharati Act was introduced to address these critical issues. It is paving the way for a more transparent, accurate, and technology-driven approach to land management.

Challenges with Traditional Land Systems

Under sections 5 and 7 of the Bhu Bharathi Act, the government has the authority to acquire land for public purposes and to provide compensation to landowners. This legislation aims to streamline the process of land acquisition for infrastructure development projects in India. Providing a clear framework for land acquisition.

The Bhu Bharathi Act helps ensure that projects can proceed efficiently and effectively. This ultimately benefits both the government and the public by facilitating necessary improvements to infrastructure. Before the implementation of the Bhu Bharati Act, Telangana’s land registration process was mired in several inefficiencies:

• Outdated Records: Many land records were handwritten or poorly digitized, leading to inconsistencies and discrepancies.
• Land Encroachment: A lack of precise boundary definitions resulted in frequent encroachments and unauthorized usage of land.
• Lengthy Dispute Resolution: Land disputes often took years to resolve, causing financial and emotional strain for the involved parties.
• Fraudulent Transactions: The absence of a foolproof verification mechanism allowed fraudulent practices, such as double registrations.

These issues highlighted the urgent need for a system that could bring clarity, security, and efficiency to land governance in the state.

Addressing Land Disputes with GPS Technology

One of the primary motivations for the Act was the rampant land disputes across rural and urban areas. By integrating GPS technology into land registration, the Act ensures:

• Precise Mapping: Boundaries are accurately defined, leaving little room for interpretation or manipulation.
• Immutable Records: GPS data is resistant to tampering, safeguarding ownership details.
• Faster Resolutions: Disputes can be resolved efficiently with access to precise digital records.

Supporting Agricultural Development

For Telangana’s agrarian economy, land ownership clarity is vital. Many farmers faced challenges in obtaining loans or accessing government schemes due to unclear titles. The Bhu Bharati Act ensures:

• Easier Loan Approvals: Clear, GPS-verified land titles serve as reliable collateral.
• Protection from Encroachment: Farmers can focus on cultivation without fear of losing their land.
• Eligibility for Subsidies: Accurate records simplify eligibility checks for agricultural subsidies and benefits.

Strengthening Urban Development

Urban areas in Telangana have witnessed rapid growth, often leading to disputes over land parcels. The Bhu Bharati Act provides a structured solution:

• Clarity for Developers: Builders can confidently invest, knowing land titles are verified.
• Streamlined Transactions: Buyers and sellers benefit from reduced paperwork and legal complications.

Combatting Corruption and Fraud

The Act also aims to address widespread corruption and fraudulent practices in land registrations:

• Digital Transparency: Fully digitized processes minimize human intervention, reducing opportunities for graft.
• Secure Data Storage: Blockchain-like mechanisms ensure land records remain tamper-proof.
• Automated Verification: Real-time verification of GPS data eliminates fraudulent claims.

Understanding the Telangana Bhu Bharathi Bill

The Telangana Bhu Bharathi Bill, introduced in December 2024, aims to overhaul the state’s land records management system by replacing the existing Dharani portal. This initiative seeks to address previous deficiencies and enhance the efficiency, transparency, and accessibility of land administration in Telangana.

Key Features of the Bhu Bharathi Bill

• Simplified Application Process: The new system reduces the number of application modules from 33 to 6, making it more user-friendly, especially for farmers with limited technical knowledge.
• Real-Time Notifications: Landowners receive real-time updates on their application status via SMS, ensuring transparency throughout the process.
• Enhanced Transparency: The bill eliminates the “hidden” option that allows certain land records to be concealed, ensuring all land details are accessible to authorized individuals.
• Revamped Pahani Records: The traditional Pahani record format has been reinstated with 11 critical columns, providing comprehensive information about the land, including ownership details and survey numbers.
• Grievance Redressal Mechanism: The bill introduces a structured appeals process involving Revenue Divisional Officers (RDOs) and District Collectors, along with the establishment of land tribunals to address disputes efficiently.
• Regularization of Informal Transactions: Land transactions conducted through informal agreements before June 2, 2014, will be formalized, providing legal recognition to such dealings.

Conclusion

The Bhu Bharati Act is a revolutionary step in land governance, setting a benchmark for transparency, accuracy, and technological integration. By making GPS mandatory for land registrations, Telangana has paved the way for a more equitable and efficient system. One that could soon become a national standard. For more information, visit openplot.

Also read The Transfer of Property Act: A Guide for Buyers and Sellers The Transfer of Property Act outlines the legal framework for the transfer of property in India, covering important aspects such as rights and obligations of buyers and sellers. It provides clarity on the process of transferring ownership, ensuring a smooth and legally sound transaction for all parties involved. IGRS Telangana: The Ultimate Guide for EC Online and Market Value The Telangana Government’s Integrated Grievance Redressal System (IGRS) is a property registration. An innovative portal is designed to streamline essential public services such as issuing an Encumbrance Certificate (EC) and access to market value data. This guide explores the key services of IGRS Telangana, with a particular focus on EC online services and market value checks.  Bhumata Portal Replaces Dharani Portal: New Rules for Telangana Land Registration The Telangana State Government has introduced the “New Record of Rights (NROR) Bill 2024” to address the persistent issues plaguing the Dharani portal. This visionary bill aims to amend the RoR Act by introducing a new Bhumata portal in place of the Dharani portal. Debt Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy announced this important development in the Legislative Assembly.

Frequently Asked Questions