Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 23 Jun: Chief Secretary (CS) Anand Bardhan chaired a meeting of the Secretary Committee at the Secretariat here today to deliberate on better management of land resources, simplification of land-related processes, digitisation, dispute resolution and the development of an investor-friendly system. The discussions covered improved settlement of land matters, making land more easily accessible to investors, integration of new technologies, strengthening of dispute resolution mechanisms, reduction of revenue litigation, real-time monitoring and updating, simplification of complex revenue terminology and forms, and transforming all processes including land purchase and sale into paperless, cashless and faceless systems.
The CS directed the officials to undertake detailed studies of immediate and long-term reforms in their respective departments and sectors and prepare a concrete action plan in this regard. He emphasised that, in a state like Uttarakhand with limited land resources, scientific and transparent management of land is the need of the hour. He also instructed the formation of a Project Implementation Unit to ensure effective execution of long-term reforms and mandated regular monitoring of its work at the government level.
To oversee land-related matters and prepare a corrective framework, the Chief Secretary assigned Secretaries Dilip Jawalkar, Dr BVRC Purushottam and SN Pandey to develop a comprehensive framework addressing land issues, challenges and solutions. This team has been asked to provide recommendations for all land-related processes and provisions. In addition, a separate three-member committee of officers will conduct extensive study, updating, digitisation and technological integration of land documents, including old records and maps.
The meeting placed special emphasis on land surveys, settlement, mapping, digitisation of old records and latitude-based data, updating of land records, and timely disposal of registration, mutation, notices and other revenue matters. Bardhan instructed that the agencies appointed for land survey and mapping must be effectively monitored to ensure quality work.
It was emphasised during the meeting that the primary objective of land management reforms is to ensure maximum and effective use of the state’s limited land resources, simplify availability of land for investors, strengthen the land bank system and minimise land-related disputes. Judicial and administrative processes are to be made simple, transparent and digital to provide better services to citizens. A detailed presentation on land management reforms was given by Secretary SN Pandey, while secretaries of various departments also shared their suggestions and experiences.
Among those present at the meeting were Principal Secretaries RK Sudhanshu, L Fanai and Dr R Meenakshi Sundaram, Special Principal Secretary Amit Sinha and other senior officials.
