Bihar Government Eases Land Survey Process, Allows Gradual Submission of Documents

Patna: In a significant relief for landowners in Bihar, the state government has announced that all land documents do not need to be submitted at once during the ongoing land survey. Revenue and Land Reforms Minister Sanjay Saraogi stated that landowners (Raiyats) can submit available documents immediately, while the remaining ones can be provided gradually.

Saraogi made the announcement while reviewing the progress of the land survey, which is underway across the state. The deadline for submitting self-declaration forms was March 31, but those who missed it can still upload their documents online or offline as long as the portal remains open. However, the minister did not specify how long this facility would be available.

Champaran Districts Lagging Behind

Minister Saraogi expressed dissatisfaction over the slow progress of self-declaration submissions in some districts, particularly East and West Champaran. He warned that action would be taken against poorly performing districts and survey camps if there is no improvement within the next 15 days.

Survey Covering Over 45,000 Villages

The Bihar government launched the land survey on August 20, 2023, aiming to document land ownership details across more than 45,000 villages. This includes not just land records but also information on houses and structures built on them.

Deadline Extended Again

The survey deadline has been extended multiple times due to logistical challenges and public concerns. Initially set for November 20, 2024, the deadline was first pushed to March 30, 2025, by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. On Monday, Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) Deepak Kumar Singh of the Land Revenue Department announced another extension, with the survey now set to be completed by July 2026.

The government has urged landowners to submit their documents as soon as possible to ensure a smooth and accurate survey process.