Patna : Land records are disappearing from government offices across Bihar, leaving farmers struggling to prove ownership of their land. The ongoing land survey in the state has revealed that the Khatiyan — the key document that records land settlements and ownership — is missing from not just a few, but hundreds of villages. Without these records, farmers are unable to verify their rights, potentially triggering land disputes and delaying critical development projects.
Missing Records, Rising Concerns
The gravity of the situation is most evident in Muzaffarpur district, where documents from 40 villages have vanished. As per media reports , areas such as Mushahari zone, which includes villages like Saraiyaganj, Sikandarpur, and Shahbazpur, have been severely impacted. Records from 25 other villages in zones like Bochahan, Koti, and Motipur are also missing. Across Bihar, the tally of missing Khatiyan documents has risen to around 250 villages, with farmers left to navigate bureaucratic hurdles without essential proof of ownership.
Blame Game and Inaction
Instead of launching an investigation into the disappearance of these records, government authorities have shifted the burden onto the farmers, blaming them for not safeguarding their documents. Despite stern directives from the Revenue and Land Reforms Secretary, Jai Singh, no formal investigation or FIR has been lodged to trace the missing records.
Digitisation Efforts Stalled
The government’s push to digitise land records in Bihar has also hit a roadblock. MS Capital Business System Private Limited, the agency tasked with scanning these records, has reported that the process has been halted due to the absence of original documents. The disappearance of these records has left district administrations scrambling for solutions. Muzaffarpur District Magistrate, Subat Sen, has been asked to locate and provide the missing records of 40 villages spread across 11 zones of the district.
Suspicion Falls on Government Employees
Preliminary findings indicate that the disappearance of the Khatiyan documents may be linked to tampering by revenue personnel and record room staff. Mismanagement and neglect have also led to the destruction of several documents. This lapse has not only left farmers vulnerable but also complicated matters for the Revenue and Land Reforms Department, which relies on these records to ensure transparency in land reforms and compensation schemes.
The Importance of Khatiyan
The Khatiyan remains a cornerstone of land management in Bihar. Originally compiled during British rule, these records outline details such as land measurements, boundaries, and ownership rights. They serve as a vital reference for resolving disputes and verifying entitlements under government schemes. The absence of these records threatens to destabilise the state’s land governance system, with long-term implications for both farmers and policymakers.
