BHUBANESWAR: The Revenue and Disaster Management Department has cautioned the district land registration authorities against delay in issuing record of rights (RoR) and handed them a deadline for completion of mutation failing which they will face action.
In a recent circular, the Department has asked Collectors to ensure that mutation process is initiated within 24 hours on receipt of form from the registering officers.
After starting the proceedings of mutation, the tehsildars must complete the process of correction of records, issue of RoRs as well as upload of land records in Bhulekh within 90 days in all the uncontested cases, it added. Bhulekh is a web-based portal where land records are uploaded.
The circular comes in the wake of reports that mutation process is being inordinately delayed as officers are refusing to register documents on the pretext that those transferring land are unable to establish exclusive ownership. This, in turn, leads to non-delivery of services within the stipulated time as prescribed under the Odisha Right to Public Services Act 2012.
The Registration (Odisha Amendment) Act, 2013 provides for refusal to register certain documents and production of RoR before the registering officer to curb fraudulent transactions of landed property. With such cases on the rise, the registering officers have very often resorted to refusal of registration of the documents.
In the circular, Secretary, Revenue and Disaster Management Taradatt stated that in case of any delay beyond 90 days, the officer concerned will face penalty proceedings apart from those prescribed under the Odisha Right to Public Services Act.
The registering officers have also been asked to complete correction of records after death of the recorded tenants in favour of the legal heir within 90 days. In case of urgency in registration of joint holdings, such transactions can be made if all the legal heirs come to a point of agreement.
Top district authorities including Collectors and Sub-Collectors would review the progress of all pending cases in monthly revenue review meetings. A complaint-cum-suggestion box would be kept before all land registration offices.
The circular has also asked the officers to examine the documents before registration and avoid rejection on flimsy grounds. During verification process, support of the tehsil offices can be sought. Similarly, Bhulekh databank can be consulted.
Since the Registration Act is to protect the interest of the public, the R & DM Secretary said registration cannot be refused on the basis of conclusions made on superficial examination of legal provisions. The Collectors must make efforts to update and correct the land records.