Introduction
In Tamil Nadu, many landowners hold settlement pattas, which are government- issued land titles granted to individuals without homes or agricultural land. This article explores what settlement pattas are, the challenges of getting them recognized in official records, and the steps needed to ensure your property is accurately documented.
What is a Settlement Patta?
- Definition: Settlement pattas are land titles issued by the government for
agricultural land or house sites, given free of charge or for a fee to those without
existing property. They are also known as ancillary pattas, conditional pattas, free
pattas, or settlement pattas. These documents detail the land area, survey number,
beneficiary’s name, and specific conditions related to the grant. - Document Contents: A typical settlement patta includes details such as the size of
the land, its map, survey number, and the beneficiary’s name. It also outlines
conditions under which the land is granted.
Common Issues with Settlement Pattas - Lack of Registration: Many people hold settlement pattas but have not yet updated
them in computerized records or the UDR (Updation of Revenue Records) system.
Consequently, their names are not listed in the village accounts. - Land Types: Settlement pattas can be granted for various land types, including
wetland (nanjai), dry land (punjai), and rainfed land (maanavari). It’s essential to
know if your patta land falls under natham (village settlement), nanjai, punjai, or
maanavari categories. - Pre-1985 Grants: For those who received pattas before 1980, their names were
likely included in the 1985 land revenue scheme survey and the UDR records,
provided the land was nanjai, punjai, or maanavari. - Natham Land: If the patta was granted for natham land, it should have been
included in the 1995 natham survey records. However, these records are often not
available in computerized formats but should be found in manual village accounts. - Surveys and Records: In villages where the natham survey was not conducted
before 1995, patta records may not exist in the village accounts, leaving the
documentation incomplete. - Post-1985 Grants: For nanjai, punjai, or maanavari land granted after the 1985
survey, the details might not be included in the village records. - Post-1995 Grants: Similarly, natham pattas granted after the 1995 survey are often
not reflected in the village accounts. - Government Inaction: The government must be queried about why these records
have not been updated. Understanding that the control files are not in the village
accounts but only with the holders can provide some clarity.
Addressing the Issues - Interaction with VAOs: People often confront Village Administrative Officers
(VAOs) or hire agents to get their settlement pattas recognized. However, these
efforts are usually futile without a proper understanding of the system. - Purchasing Patta Land: When buying patta land, ensure it is recognized in the
UDR. If not, make sure the sale deed includes conditions accommodating this
discrepancy. - Waiting for Surveys: Owners must wait for the next land revenue scheme survey
or natham survey for their pattas to be officially recognized in UDR records. - Collective Action: Residents can collectively petition district collectors or
ministers to conduct surveys and issue updated pattas, which may sometimes expedite
the recognition process. - Government Policies: Surveying and updating records are subject to government
policies. Until such policies are enacted, the status of settlement pattas will remain
unchanged.
Conclusion
Settlement pattas are crucial for establishing land ownership, yet many remain unrecognized in official records. By understanding the intricacies of these documents and actively engaging with government processes, property owners can work towards having their titles accurately reflected in village and revenue records. Persistence and collective action can significantly impact the recognition and updating of settlement pattas.