Odisha to unveil comprehensive road map to resolve land issues

Bhubaneswar, Nov 18 (UNI) Odisha Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari announced on Tuesday that the state government will implement a comprehensive road map to resolve all land-related problems, recover encroached government land, and provide homestead land to the landless.

He emphasised that the initiative aims to ensure speedy justice and strengthen revenue administration across the state.

Speaking at the first session of a two-day joint conference of District Collectors and Superintendents of Police in Bhubaneswar, Pujari highlighted that Odisha has been suffering revenue losses due to thousands of long-pending land-related cases.

He noted that although the government is prioritising industrial development, land acquisition is often delayed because large portions of government land remain under illegal encroachment.

The conference held detailed discussions on modernising revenue records, streamlining revenue administration, and addressing bottlenecks in land acquisition.

Pujari informed that since the new government took charge, several reforms have been introduced in land laws, including simplification of the land patta correction process.

The Minister reiterated that clearing encroachments and strengthening the Land Bank are essential for facilitating major industrial projects. He also stressed the need for prompt compensation to individuals affected by land acquisition.

Pujari directed officials to ensure proper and timely utilisation of district development funds and Disaster Management funds, particularly those meant for the maintenance of cyclone and flood shelters.

He added that the state will construct 100 additional multipurpose cyclone/flood shelters.

Additional Chief Secretary Deo Ranjan Kumar Singh stated that the government is committed to building a strong and efficient revenue administration system.

He claimed that, due to modernisation efforts, more than 90 per cent of long-pending revenue cases have already been resolved.
Singh urged District Collectors to prioritise revenue administration, regularly review cases, and update land records promptly, noting that Odisha currently has around one crore acres of government land crucial for industrial and infrastructure growth.

Minister Pujari instructed all District Collectors to submit land reform proposals by the end of November and proposals for amendments in revenue laws by February.