Patna: The Bihar government has announced a new land classification system aimed at making land valuation and registration more transparent and uniform across the state.
Under the proposed framework, land in every district will be categorised according to its location, use and level of development, with periodic surveys to ensure valuations reflect changing conditions.
Statewide Land Classification
The Registration Department has directed officials in all districts to prepare a land classification register that will record details based on the nature and development status of land.
Officials said the register will be reviewed every three years, allowing land categories and corresponding valuations to be revised in line with urban expansion, infrastructure development and commercial growth.
The department clarified that the register is intended solely for administrative purposes and will not serve as a Khesra (plot) record or proof of ownership.
Four Broad Zones
Under the new system, land will be broadly classified into four zones:
- Rural areas
- Urban areas
- Patna Metropolitan Area
- Peripheral areas adjoining cities
Officials said the revised framework is intended to create a more consistent basis for determining circle rates and calculating registration charges.
Rural And Urban Categories
In rural areas, land will be divided into seven categories, including commercial, industrial and residential land, land along major roads, irrigated and unirrigated agricultural land, and special categories such as sandy, rocky and Diara (riverine) land.
Urban land will be classified into six categories, including commercial, residential and industrial zones, land along major roads, and agricultural or other non-residential land.
For peripheral areas surrounding cities, the government plans to adopt a separate valuation system, with circle rates expected to be higher than those in rural areas but lower than those within urban limits.
Periodic Revision Of Land Values
The District Valuation Committee will determine land values within the new classification framework.
Officials said valuations will be revised periodically to reflect changes brought about by new roads, housing projects, commercial activity and other infrastructure developments.
Given the pace of urban expansion in the Patna Metropolitan Area, the government plans to review the land classification register there every year instead of every three years.
Aim To Improve Transparency
According to the government, the new system is expected to reduce inconsistencies in the determination of circle rates and improve transparency in land transactions across Bihar.
The next statewide survey under the proposed framework is expected to be undertaken in 2029, when land classifications and valuations will again be reviewed based on prevailing development patterns.
