Revenue administration forms the backbone of governance in any state, and Uttarakhand is no exception. It plays a crucial role in maintaining land records, collecting revenue, and resolving land disputes, thereby contributing to the overall economic and social stability of the state. This article delves into the intricacies of revenue administration in Uttarakhand, examining its structure, functions, and challenges.
Historical Context
Uttarakhand, carved out of Uttar Pradesh in 2000, inherited its revenue administration system from its parent state. This system, with its roots in the British colonial era, has undergone several modifications to adapt to the unique geographical and socio-economic conditions of the new state.
Structure of Revenue Administration
The revenue administration in Uttarakhand follows a hierarchical structure:
Board of Revenue: The apex body in the revenue administration, the Board of Revenue is headquartered in Dehradun. It exercises judicial and administrative control over the revenue department. The Chairman of the Board of Revenue also serves as the Head of Department for all revenue personnel.
Commissioners: Two Divisional Commissioners, one for Garhwal and one for Kumaon, oversee revenue administration at the divisional level.
District Magistrates (DM): At the district level, the District Magistrate is the chief revenue officer. They are responsible for maintaining law and order, land records, revenue collection, and disaster management within their respective districts.
Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDM): SDMs head the subdivisions within a district and exercise similar powers as the DM, but within their jurisdiction.
Tehsildars: At the tehsil level, the Tehsildar is the primary revenue officer responsible for land records, revenue collection, and resolving minor land disputes.
Patwaris/Lekhpals: At the village level, Patwaris or Lekhpals maintain land records and collect land revenue.
Key Functions of Revenue Administration
Land Revenue Collection: This involves assessing and collecting land revenue, which is a crucial source of income for the state government.
Land Records Management: Maintaining accurate and up-to-date land records is vital for preventing land disputes and ensuring efficient land administration. This includes maintaining records of land ownership, tenancy, and land use.
Land Reforms: Implementing land reform measures to ensure equitable distribution of land and prevent land concentration.
Disaster Management: The revenue department plays a key role in disaster management, particularly in a disaster-prone state like Uttarakhand. This includes coordinating relief efforts and providing assistance to affected people.
Settlement of Land Disputes: Resolving land disputes through quasi-judicial mechanisms to maintain social harmony and prevent escalation of conflicts.
Issuance of Certificates: Providing various certificates like caste certificates, domicile certificates, and income certificates to citizens.
Challenges and Reforms
The revenue administration in Uttarakhand faces several challenges:
Outdated Land Records: Many land records are old and inaccurate, leading to land disputes and hindering efficient land management.
Digital Divide: While efforts are being made to digitize land records, the digital divide, particularly in remote areas, poses a challenge.
Capacity Building: There is a need for continuous capacity building of revenue officials to improve their skills and knowledge.
Transparency and Accountability: Enhancing transparency and accountability in revenue administration is crucial for ensuring good governance.
The state government has undertaken several initiatives to address these challenges:
Digitization of Land Records: The "Apna Khata" online portal provides access to digitized land records, making it easier for citizens to access information and reducing the scope for manipulation.
Land Consolidation: Efforts are being made to consolidate fragmented land holdings to improve agricultural productivity.
Training and Capacity Building: Regular training programs are conducted for revenue officials to enhance their skills and knowledge.
Grievance Redressal Mechanism: A robust grievance redressal mechanism has been established to address public complaints and ensure accountability.