Bihar Government Imposes Strict Two-Year Deadline for Comprehensive Land Survey
The Revenue and Land Reforms Department of Bihar has established an ambitious two-year timeframe for officials to complete the state's special land survey initiative. Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha, who also oversees the department, announced this decisive deadline following a comprehensive review meeting held on Wednesday in Patna.
Zero Tolerance for Delays and False Reporting
Sinha emphasized that the special land survey must be finalized within the next twenty-four months, with absolutely no room for negligence, unnecessary delays, or inaccurate reporting at any administrative level. The deputy CM made it clear that this survey transcends mere bureaucratic procedure—it serves as the fundamental groundwork for resolving longstanding land conflicts and enhancing the overall land management system across Bihar.
Technical Briefing and Historical Context
During the meeting, Principal Secretary C K Anil and Secretary Jai Singh provided detailed explanations about the historical background of previous cadastral and revisional surveys. They highlighted the substantial benefits expected from the new, modernized survey process. Suharsh Bhagat, Director of Land Records and Survey, acknowledged that the initial phase faced setbacks due to delays in technical guideline issuance but confirmed that survey operations have now gained significant momentum.
Extended Timeline and Implementation Challenges
The state government originally launched the survey work in 2024 with a completion target of July 2026. However, this deadline was subsequently extended to December 30, 2026, due to several implementation challenges. In numerous areas, landowners hesitated to participate, citing concerns about corruption at the block level and the absence of proper land records even within government offices.
Additional provisions requiring the submission of family pedigrees (vanshawali), including the names of female members, further discouraged property owners from making declarations. This requirement has created confusion and triggered family disputes in multiple instances, as traditional practices often distribute paternal properties exclusively among male heirs, disregarding the legitimate property rights of women.
Accountability Measures and Public Participation
The deputy CM outlined strict accountability protocols, stating that officers responsible for errors or unwarranted delays would face direct consequences, including potential administrative and legal actions. Sinha also made a public appeal, encouraging citizens to report any irregularities or problems encountered during the survey process by submitting written complaints to the department. He assured that every complaint would receive prompt attention and appropriate action.
Addressing Century-Old Land Records
Land survey modernization has been a persistent priority for the Nitish Kumar government, as land-related disputes have emerged as significant challenges to law and order throughout Bihar. The current survey aims to comprehensively update land records, with the last statewide survey conducted over a century ago in 1911 during British colonial rule. This historical gap underscores the urgent need for accurate, contemporary land documentation to support governance and dispute resolution.
