Introduction
Fallow Poramboke land, also known as Bought-in Land (BIL), can be a valuable resource for landless individuals seeking land for cultivation or settlement. If such land has remained unused for more than 12 years, you may be eligible to request its reclassification and lease from the government. This guide explains the steps to request fallow Poramboke land and provides important tips to ensure your petition is successful.
1. Identifying BIL Land
The first step is to identify if there is fallow or BIL (Bought-in Land) registered in the village records. If land has been marked as fallow for over 12 years, you can petition the government for its reclassification and lease. Ensure you have the correct land details, including the survey number.
2. Request for Land
Landless individuals can submit petitions to the District Collector to request ownership of such fallow lands. If the land area is substantial, multiple beneficiaries should file a joint petition. Make sure the survey number is clearly mentioned to avoid confusion.
3. Supporting Documents
When submitting your petition, include copies of the A-register and the survey sketch of the land. It’s advisable to submit the petition in person by meeting the District Collector, preferably on Mondays when petitions are typically accepted. Avoid relying solely on postal applications, as these may lead to delays.
4. Seeking Accountability
If the District Collector’s office accepts your petition but there’s no response, you can file a request under the Right to Information Act (RTI). Ask for an update on the petition’s status, including whether it has been entered into the village records.
5. Persistence Pays Off
Stay persistent with your efforts and avoid informing village officials, such as the Village Administrative Officer (VAO), ahead of time. Some village authorities may delay the process if informed in advance. Obtain the necessary records (A-register and survey sketch) by providing alternative reasons to avoid delays.
6. Preventing Misuse
In some cases, when marginalized groups attempt to request fallow land, village officials may quickly reassign these lands to private individuals or village temples, bypassing the official process with the District Collector. Be vigilant and ensure your petition is submitted to the correct higher authorities.
7. Involving District Officials
Make sure that your petition reaches the District Collector first. Having the attention of higher officials can prevent local authorities from tampering with the process and ensure that your petition is taken seriously.
8. Terminology in Government Orders
When the government assigns land, the term “mortgage” is often used in official documents. While this term may seem confusing in modern contexts, it historically refers to land given for cultivation. Understanding this terminology will help you follow the process correctly.
9. Assignment Process
When government land is assigned, the order will still reference this mortgage terminology. Ensure you understand the terms and processes involved to navigate the procedure effectively.
10. Site Inspection
Once your petition reaches the Revenue Officer, a date will be set for a site inspection. The VAO will assist the Revenue Officer in measuring the land, and a new survey sketch will be prepared for the area.
11. Land Survey
The government surveyor will map the necessary portions of the land, assigning specific sub-division numbers. The land’s boundaries will be marked in red, and a detailed topo sketch (map) will be created using color codes to identify the mortgaged land.
12. Document Submission
After the site inspection, the necessary documents, including affidavits from both the petitioner and the VAO, survey sketches, and A-register copies, will be forwarded to the Sub-Inspector for further review.
13. Final Approval
Once the documentation is complete and reviewed, the Tahsildar will inspect the land personally, verify the file, and issue mortgage orders that grant land rights to the applicants.
14. Completion of Process
The final steps involve dividing the file, creating two maps, obtaining subdivision samples, and attaching A-register copies. A specific 8A number will be assigned to the land, granting formal ownership.
15. Pending Approvals
Unfortunately, many fallow land assignments remain pending due to failures in registering them in village records, preventing beneficiaries from claiming legal ownership. Ensure that the registration process is completed to secure your rights.
16. Post-1985 Assignments
Many land assignments granted after 1985 are still pending official registration. This leads to difficulties for the beneficiaries in securing their legal rights. Follow up persistently to avoid this issue.
17. Following Up on Registration
Once land assignments are granted, applicants must ensure that the land is registered in both Taluk and Village records, as well as in the Sub-Registrar’s books. Without proper registration, the land cannot be legally claimed.
18. Marking the Land
For small land parcels, boundary stones must be physically placed to finalize ownership. However, in some cases, land is granted on paper without being marked on the ground, often due to negligence by government officials. Make sure the land is clearly marked to avoid future disputes.
Conclusion
Requesting fallow Poramboke land from the government is a complex but achievable process. By following these steps, ensuring the necessary documents are in place, and being persistent, you can increase your chances of successfully obtaining the land. Remember, dealing directly with higher officials like the District Collector is crucial to prevent delays or interference from local authorities. Stay informed, follow up regularly, and make sure your land is properly registered to secure your ownership rights.
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