Jharkhand to bring land issues under RTS: Minister Deepak Birua

Ranchi, Jan 16: Jharkhand’s Land and Revenue Minister, Deepak Birua, has initiated a significant push for improved transparency in land-related services by urging the inclusion of such tasks under the right-to-service law.

During a virtual meeting on Thursday with divisional commissioners and departmental secretaries, Birua highlighted the necessity for timely completion of these services to enhance public convenience and boost revenue.

The minister proposed a barcode system that would enable residents to download land receipts via mobile devices, eliminating the need for multiple office visits. This advancement aims to streamline administrative processes and address public inconvenience currently experienced in obtaining land receipts.

Additionally, Birua acknowledged a proposal from Chaibasa’s commissioner to collect outstanding dues from companies in Jamshedpur, which could significantly increase the state’s revenue.

He also raised concerns about encroachments along the Harmu river, urging prompt action to safeguard the river and prevent further harm.

Deepak Birua emphasized that revenue collection processes should prioritize the convenience of the common people, particularly on land-related issues.

He directed officials to bring land mutation and other land-related services under the Right to Service Act, ensuring the timely completion of such tasks. This, he stated, would provide better facilities for citizens and boost the government’s revenue collection efforts.

Minister Birua pointed out that, currently, people must visit courts and government offices just to obtain receipts for their own land. To address this, he announced that a new facility would be introduced, enabling citizens to obtain land receipts with a barcode directly on their mobile phones. The department will take further steps to implement this initiative. He explained that barcode-enabled receipts will eliminate the need for people to visit various offices to obtain these documents.

 During the meeting, a proposal was raised by the Chaibasa Commissioner to recover outstanding dues worth ₹2,000 crores from companies in the Jamshedpur district. Taking immediate cognizance of the matter, the Minister directed officials to initiate appropriate action. He noted that several similar cases could significantly increase the state’s revenue if addressed effectively and emphasized the need to focus on such opportunities.

 The Minister also expressed concern over the illegal occupation of government land. He instructed officials to prepare a comprehensive list to determine whether Jamabandi (land records) is being maintained for government land. Additionally, he pointed out that the banks of the Harmu River are being encroached upon, threatening the river’s existence. He directed officials to discuss the matter at the departmental level and ensure necessary actions are taken.