Muzaffarpur: Serious delays in land mutation (dakhil-kharij) and jamabandi processes — including cases related to government land — have raised concerns at the state level, with the Revenue and Land Reforms Department flagging widespread laxity at circle offices across Bihar. Despite past incidents of illegal sale and mutation of government land, officials said adequate seriousness is still lacking at the ground level.
The Secretary of the Revenue and Land Reforms Department has expressed strong objections to the prevailing situation and shared district-wise and circle-wise details of pending cases with all districts.
Official data shows that more than 10,000 applications related to mutation and jamabandi are pending at the circle level across the state. Alarmingly, several circles have failed to dispose of even a single application.
Calling the work culture “a matter of serious concern,” the Secretary has fixed accountability on district collectors and directed them to ensure regular monitoring and speedy disposal of pending cases.
In Muzaffarpur district alone, 188 cases related to mutation and jamabandi of government land are currently under process. Several applications have been pending for over three months. Circles such as Bochahan have not disposed of a single case, highlighting the extent of administrative delay.
Only 22.86% Cases Disposed Statewide.
The Secretary noted that a recent state-level review revealed that only 22.86 per cent of total applications had been disposed of so far. “This clearly indicates a lack of interest at the circle level in carrying out mutation-related work,” the Secretary said in an official communication. Emphasising the importance of timely action, the letter stated that prompt mutation is essential to safeguard government interest, protect revenue, and maintain accuracy of land records.
The concern comes at a time when verification of government land is underway in the district. However, officials pointed out that while verification work is progressing, delays continue in transferring land records in the name of concerned government departments or the President of India, as required.
Past Illegal Land Deals Raise Red Flags
The issue has gained urgency following recent cases of illegal sale of government land. In Kanti, land belonging to the Agriculture Department was illegally sold, and the mutation was also carried out. After the matter came to light, the Circle Officer (CO) of Kanti was suspended. The jamabandi was later cancelled and restored in the name of the Agriculture Department.
Similarly, cases involving illegal sale, mutation, and jamabandi of National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) land have also been reported from the Ramdayalu area.
Circle-wise Status of Applications in Muzaffarpur
Bochahan: 33 applications received; 33 pending beyond 90 days; 0 disposed (0%)
Gaighat: 17 received; 17 pending; 0 disposed (0%)
Kanti: 9 received; 5 pending; 4 disposed (44.44%)
Marwan: 4 received; 4 pending; 0 disposed (0%)
Minapur: 5 received; 5 pending; 0 disposed (0%)
Motipur: 10 received; 1 pending; 8 disposed (80%)
Mushahari: 16 received; 10 pending; 6 disposed (37.50%)
Paroo: 38 received; 23 pending; 15 disposed (39.47%)
Saraiya: 56 received; 38 pending; 12 disposed (26.92%)
Officials said strict monitoring and accountability mechanisms will be enforced to prevent further misuse of government land and ensure timely disposal of pending land records cases.
