In a significant step towards improving transparency and curbing benami land transactions, the Bihar Revenue and Land Reforms Department has announced an extension of the ongoing land survey deadline to July 2026. Additionally, starting January 2025, Jamabandi (land records) will be linked with Aadhaar, aiming to streamline ownership verification and prevent fraudulent practices.

Extended Deadline: Addressing Implementation Challenges

The ambitious land survey initiative, initially launched to modernize land records and reduce disputes, has faced repeated delays due to operational challenges, limited manpower, and rising public dissatisfaction. The Bihar government, recognizing the complexity of the task and the political implications of incomplete implementation, has opted to extend the survey deadline instead of rushing to meet unrealistic timelines.

Aadhaar Integration with Jamabandi: Ensuring Transparency

The integration of Jamabandi with Aadhaar marks a major digital reform in Bihar's land management system. This linkage is expected to:

Eliminate benami land ownership by identifying real owners.

Reduce fraudulent transactions and unauthorized land transfers.

Simplify verification processes for landowners and streamline administrative efficiency.

Public Pressure and Government Response

The Bihar government had promised timely completion of the land survey project before the assembly elections. However, citizens' discontent has grown as a result of regular delays and administrative inefficiencies. The government is under tremendous pressure to provide measurable outcomes while maintaining the accuracy of the survey.

Anti-Corruption Measures: Over 400 Officials Penalized

To tackle corruption and malpractice during the survey process, the government has launched a strict crackdown on erring officials. Out of 1,400 revenue officers investigated, over 458 officials have been arrested on charges of corruption. Furthermore, a dedicated four-member oversight team has been deployed at the headquarters to handle complaints efficiently.

Technology-Driven Land Survey System

To reduce dependency on in-person visits to government offices, the Bihar government has introduced an online platform for grievance redressal and survey tracking. Landowners can now check their land records, monitor survey updates, and register complaints digitally, saving time and reducing bureaucratic hurdles.

Strengthening Workforce: Over 80,000 Amins Appointed

Recognizing the need for an extensive workforce, the government has hired 80,035 Amins (land surveyors). These officials are tasked with completing the survey across 45,000 villages in the state. The survey process is already in its final stages in 20 districts, while work in the remaining 18 districts is actively underway.

The Road Ahead: Goals and Expectations

The Bihar government is aiming for a fully digitalized, transparent, and error-free land record system. With Jamabandi linked to Aadhaar, disputes over land ownership are expected to reduce significantly, and administrative efficiency will improve. This initiative is poised to set a benchmark for other states in land governance and management.

Conclusion

As Bihar moves towards the July 2026 deadline, the focus remains on ensuring accuracy, transparency, and accountability in the land survey process. The integration of Aadhaar with Jamabandi is a step in the right direction, promising a modern, efficient, and fraud-free land management system for the state.

Stay updated with the latest developments on Bihar's land survey initiatives and reforms.