Bhubaneswar: With many property-related disputes remaining unresolved for years across Odisha, the state government has decided to initiate concrete measures to settle long-pending land ownership and zamindari-related issues by the end of this year.
Noting that the process of abolishing the zamindari system had begun in the 1960s, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said land ownership should have vested with the government after the abolition of intermediary landlords.
However, several cases related to ‘salami’ payments and land ownership are still pending, particularly in areas which were governed by the erstwhile princely states, said Pujari.
Several landholders had received land titles (pattas) but failed to deposit the required salami charges, leading to revenue losses for the state government, he said.
The Minister made it clear that rightful occupants who deposit the stipulated salami amount would be recognised as legal owners of the land.
One-month window has reportedly been given by the government for eligible beneficiaries to complete the necessary formalities.
The government also plans to introduce a grading system in the revenue service delivery mechanism, under which districts showing efficient performance in resolving land and revenue-related issues would get higher gradation rankings.
The Revenue Minister further said that plans are afoot to phase out the Bhoodan Act in due course as part of efforts to further widen land administration reforms in the state.
