Darbhanga: The process of making land related records and documents online has definitely made it easier for people to access the documents, but The basic problems related to land still remain the same. In Darbhanga, a large number of people have uploaded land related applications and documents on the online portal, but the process of resolution of many applications is said to be pending. Due to this, people have to make rounds of the concerned offices even after applying online.
The objective of the government to digitize the land records and provide online facilities to the people was that people do not have to go to the revenue office again and again for filing-kharij, jamabandi, receipt, account-khesra and other land related work. After the introduction of the online system, it was expected that the process of submitting applications would be faster and the cases would also be disposed of in a time bound manner. But many applicants at the grassroots level complain that Even after uploading the application online, they are not getting the final solution.
In a district like Darbhanga, the number of land related cases is quite high. From the city to the rural areas, cases related to purchase and sale of land, partition, inheritance, registration and cancellation and Jamabandi reform keep coming up. In many of these cases, the land record does not get updated due to a small error. Sometimes there is a mistake in the name, and somewhere there is a problem regarding the account or khesra number. In some cases, applications also become pending due to differences between old documents and current records.
In the online application system, the applicant can submit his application sitting at home. The documents are scanned and uploaded on the portal and the facility to check the application status online is also available. But when the application remains pending for a long time, the applicant does not understand at what level the problem is stuck. This situation is becoming the biggest problem for the people.
Many applicants say that after applying online they were hopeful that the work would be completed quickly. But due to long gap between submission of application and its actual execution, they have to again approach the zonal office or the concerned revenue personnel. The very purpose of the online system seems to be affected by this.
The biggest advantage of having land documents online is that old records can be saved in digital form. The process of searching and verifying records may also become easier in future. But the digital record will be useful only when the information recorded in it is correct and necessary corrections are made on time based on the applications.
The difference between the old and new records is also considered to be a major reason for the problems of the people in Darbhanga. Many families have documents dating back decades, while online records contain different information. In such cases matching, checking and verification of documents is necessary. If this process is not completed on time, the land owner has to wait a long time to get his records corrected.
The impact of delay in land related matters is not limited to records alone. When a Jamabandi or mutation case is pending, sale of land, bank loan, inheritance process and other legal matters can also be affected. This is the reason why people want that along with monitoring of online applications, the process of its disposal should also be speeded up.
Especially those people face more problems whose land has to be transferred after the death of a family member. If the application remains pending for a long time despite submitting the required documents for adding the name in the Jamabandi on the basis of inheritance, then a dispute may arise between other members of the family.
Similarly, for the people who have to get the registration done after purchasing the land, timely disposal of the application is also very important. If the process does not proceed after submitting the online application, the buyer remains worried as to when his name will be entered in the records.
In some cases, errors already present in the land records need to be corrected. People have to apply to correct errors related to name, father’s or husband’s name, account number, khesra number, area or nature of land. In such applications, scrutiny of documents is necessary, but people complain that the process of investigation and decision is taking time.
Making the application status visible in the online system is certainly a step towards transparency. But the applicant’s problems do not end just by seeing the status. He should also know with which officer the application is pending, which documents are missing and when will it be disposed of.
In land-related matters, if the application remains pending for a long time despite the deadline being fixed, then it is natural for resentment to increase among the people. There are many applicants who take help from cyber cafes or others to understand the online process. Even after the application is submitted, if they have to go to the office, then the facility provided through the online system is reduced to a great extent.
The problem may be more serious in rural areas. Due to limited knowledge of internet and digital process, many people are not able to see the status of the application themselves. They have to take help from another person every time. If the application is pending on the online portal then it is not easy for them to get information about the reason for the same.
In such a situation, there is a need that the online record system should not be limited to just uploading documents. The entire process from application to final order and record update should be made digital and time bound. This can relieve people from visiting different offices for the same work.
Regular review of pending applications is also necessary to resolve land related issues in Darbhanga. Old applications can be disposed of by making a list on priority basis. In cases where documents are missing, clear information should be given to the applicant so that he can submit the required documents in time.
Similarly, in cases where there is objection or dispute, it is necessary to keep them in a separate category and inform the concerned parties. This can reduce the number of applications pending without any reason.
People are hopeful that in the next phase of the digital records system, the emphasis will not only be on making land documents available online, but also Equal attention will be given to resolution of pending applications. The real benefit of the online system will be available only when the applicant does not have to visit the office after submitting the application and his work is completed within the stipulated time.
Despite land documents being digital in Darbhanga, the slow process of processing applications is now becoming a matter of concern for the people. Any mistake or delay in records related to important property like land can directly affect the property and financial interests of the person. Hence there is a need to update records made online and timely resolution of uploaded applications.
At present, people are hopeful that the Revenue Department will review the pending applications and resolve their problems soon. Making the papers available online is the first step, but the real solution to the land problem will be considered only when the records are correct, the applications are processed on time and the land owner does not have to visit government offices again and again for this.