Simplified Rules, Complicated Implementation
Despite a recent amendment by the Odisha government aimed at simplifying the sale and registration of part plots, confusion among sub-registrars and landowners has led to a near-blockade of plot registrations across the state. The Odisha Development Authorities (ODA) Second Amendment Rules, 2025, which came into effect on June 10, were intended to streamline and expedite the long-pending issue of part plot registrations. However, the lack of clarity in implementation has created fresh hurdles.
Key Amendment Allows Registration Without Approval
Under the new amendment, the state government now allows registration of plots up to 500 square metres (approximately 5,381.96 square feet) without prior approval—provided the owner does not plan to develop a real estate project on the land. This move was meant to reduce legal complications and delay in registrations that had previously hampered land transactions across urban Odisha.
According to ODA, the exemption applies only to the first-time sale or subdivision of a part plot. It also clarified that this facility cannot be availed again for the same plot by the new buyer or future owners.
Sub-Registrars Unclear on Verification and Road Width Rules
Despite the amendment, sub-registrars remain uncertain about how to verify if a particular sale is indeed a first-time transaction. Additionally, the rule requiring a 30-foot-wide access road for part plot registration in urban areas has become another point of contention. The Revenue Department, on the other hand, allows registration even with a 20-foot-wide road, leading to contradictory guidelines and further confusion among field officials.
Revenue Department Acknowledges the Issue
Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari acknowledged the operational hurdles and said, “Sub-registrars and DSRs are facing a problem over sub-plot registrations. We will hold a two-day workshop next month to address their queries. The workshop will help remove bottlenecks to ensure hassle-free registrations.”
D.K. Singh, Additional Chief Secretary of the Revenue Department, also confirmed that the confusion is limited to urban plots and does not impact agricultural or rural land sales. “We are trying to sort it out. The changes have made the process quicker in principle, but implementation is stuck due to technical issues,” Singh stated.
Welcomed Move, Poor Execution
Real estate professionals and citizens have welcomed the government’s effort but express disappointment over its hasty rollout. Pradhan, a property consultant, said, “It is a welcome move by the government. The ODA rulebook now allows registration of the sale of part plots without approval if a plot owner does not wish to develop a real estate project. However, the issue arose due to a lack of clarity in its implementation, which occurred very recently.”
Other Key Changes in the Amendment
In addition to part plot registration, the amendment also exempts intra-family plot subdivisions and land transfers from requiring prior approval. Benchmark value determination has been simplified by allowing the use of self-attested documents, and data can now be uploaded directly on the Inspector General of Revenue (IGR) website to fast-track processing.
Way Forward
While the state’s intentions are aimed at improving the ease of doing property transactions, experts say proper training and unified guidelines for sub-registrars are essential. The upcoming workshop announced by the Revenue Department is expected to play a key role in resolving ambiguities and ensuring smooth implementation of the amended rules.