Odisha Revenue Department Pledges Citizen-Centric Governance in High-Level Review Meeting

High-Level Meeting Held at Lok Seva Bhawan

A high-level review meeting of the Revenue and Disaster Management Department was held at Lok Seva Bhawan, Bhubaneswar, under the chairmanship of Minister Suresh Pujari. The meeting focused on departmental performance, ongoing reforms, and future strategies aimed at improving citizen services.

Additional Chief Secretary Dr. Arabinda Padhee and senior departmental officials attended the meeting.

Focus on Transparent and Citizen-Friendly Services

During the meeting, a detailed presentation highlighted the department’s achievements, ongoing transparency initiatives, and roadmap for future reforms. The Minister emphasized the need to further strengthen citizen-centric service delivery and make the Revenue Department a model for other departments.

Major Progress in Land Record Correction

The department reported significant progress in the correction of Column-2 Record of Rights (RoRs). Out of approximately 62.25 lakh land records surveyed, over 58.09 lakh records have already been corrected.

To simplify the process, a dedicated mobile application has been developed for faster and more efficient handling of land records.

Digital Transformation in Revenue Services

To enhance accessibility, the department has introduced multiple digital platforms:

• Integration of 11 revenue services into the “Ama Sathi” WhatsApp chatbot
• Launch of “e-Registration Odisha” mobile application
• Online slot booking for document registration
• Access to Encumbrance Certificates (EC) and Certified Copies (CC)

These initiatives aim to provide citizens with easy, doorstep digital services.

Expansion of Sub-Registrar Offices and Online Services

To improve service delivery, 108 new Sub-Registration offices have been opened during 2025–26. The department has also introduced online demarcation services, ensuring transparency and time-bound completion of land-related processes.

Land Reforms and Simplification Measures

Several key reforms were highlighted during the meeting, including:

• Simplification of land categories from 7,797 to 22 “Kisam” types
• Reduction of 750 Satwa categories to four simplified groups
• Amendments to Odisha Survey and Settlement Rules, 1962 empowering Tahasildars
• Provision for simplified apartment registration with reduced stamp duty norms

These steps aim to streamline land governance and reduce procedural complexity.

Support for MSMEs and Administrative Reforms

To promote economic growth, exemptions from Change of Land Use (CLU) permission have been granted for MSMEs and startups.

A new transfer policy for OAS and ORS officers has also been introduced to improve administrative transparency.

Cultural and Heritage Protection Initiatives

The department has established a dedicated Shri Jagannath Land Cell in Puri to ensure proper management and protection of lands belonging to Lord Jagannath.

Additionally, public consultation is underway for correcting English spellings of 57 place names to align with Odia pronunciation.

Welfare Measures and Land Distribution

Under the Vasundhara Scheme, land has been allotted to:

• 28,531 landless families (4 decimals homestead land each)
• 25,643 government and government-aided educational institutions

These initiatives aim to strengthen social welfare and land access.

Conclusion

The Revenue and Disaster Management Department reaffirmed its commitment to becoming a model of transparent, accountable, and citizen-centric governance in Odisha. The meeting concluded with a focus on continued reforms and improved public service delivery across the state.