In a significant move, the Bihar government has announced an extension for the completion of the ongoing statewide land survey, which will now be concluded by December 2026, instead of the previously set July 2026 deadline. This decision has come as a relief to citizens, especially those who have faced inconveniences due to the prolonged survey process. The extension aims to ensure that the land survey is carried out more efficiently and transparently, addressing any technical challenges and providing ample time for accurate data collection.

Why the Extension Was Necessary

Sanjay Saraogi, Bihar's Revenue and Land Reforms Minister, clarified that the extension was made to minimize inconveniences to the public while ensuring a smoother execution of the process. He explained that the primary goal of this statewide survey is to provide digitized land records to genuine landowners, thus reducing disputes and providing transparency in land dealings.

The land survey is also critical for the Bihar government’s infrastructural projects, as it will help in determining available land and resolving any land distribution issues. Saraogi emphasized that having a clear record of land across the state will allow the government to distribute land to landless individuals and facilitate various development programs.

Self-Declaration Documents Deadline

In a related development, the deadline for landowners to upload their self-declaration documents has been set for March 31, 2025. These documents are essential for confirming the ownership of land and will be used to update the state’s land records. While there have been some technical glitches related to the server, Saraogi assured that the department would decide whether the deadline for uploading the documents would also be extended.

Opposition Reaction

The opposition, however, raised concerns over the delay in land distribution to the landless population. They staged a walkout during the budget discussions, accusing the government of dragging its feet in addressing the pressing issue of land rights. This issue has been one of the most significant challenges for Bihar, as land disputes have been a leading cause of law and order problems in the state.

The Importance of the Land Survey

The land survey exercise has been a long-standing agenda of the Nitish Kumar government. The survey's primary aim is to address land disputes and assist genuine landowners by providing them with accurate and updated land records. By digitizing the land records, the government hopes to permanently resolve conflicts and improve transparency in land transactions.

The survey also serves a broader purpose, as it will provide the state government with a clear overview of its land holdings, which will be crucial for infrastructure development and future land redistribution efforts. The government plans to use the data collected during the survey to facilitate the distribution of land to those who have none, and to carry out projects in the public interest.

Key Takeaways

• The deadline for the land survey has been extended to December 2026, offering a five-month extension to ensure a smoother process.
• Self-declaration documents for landowners must be uploaded by March 31, 2025, with a possible extension due to technical glitches.
• The Bihar opposition protested the delay in land distribution to landless citizens during the budget session, calling for faster action.

Conclusion

The extension of the land survey deadline by the Bihar government provides much-needed relief to citizens and aims to enhance the transparency and efficiency of the land-related processes in the state. As the survey progresses, it is expected to bring greater clarity to land ownership and help resolve ongoing land disputes, benefiting both landowners and the landless population. The government’s focus on digitizing land records will undoubtedly play a significant role in addressing long-standing issues related to land distribution and administration in the state.

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