K VENKATESWARLU
The Dharani committee is continuing its exercise to submit its report to the State government. As part of it, Dharani Committee is going to conduct a video conference with the District collectors on 24th of this month at 10 am.
In this meeting, the pending Dharani applications, the reasons for the pending and the measures to resolve them will be discussed. Issues relating to prohibited assets are discussed on Section 22 A list. There is a chance to get clarity on the steps to be taken to correct the list. Cases dealt with by Ad Hoc Land Tribunals – experiences and ways forward will be discussed in the meeting. Status of ordinary applications will be checked. RSR/Setwar will focus on issues related to the Miss Match.
However, experts in Revenue matters are stating that the government has to start reforming the Dharani Portal following the basics instead of delaying it. “Delay will complicate the issues further. The government has to revert to the old Revenue Acts to fix Dharni problem. The government should immediately appoint employees like surveyors, Village Revenue Officers and others. The problems will be automatically solved if basics of Revenue Acts are followed with utmost sincerity. However, it needs amend the existing Revenue Acts or bring a comprehensive new act, besides enforcing some other laws like anti-land grabbing act”, they told The Pioneer.
The experts commented that due to entrusting the total powers to the District Collectors by stripping powers to Revenue Division Officers and Tahasildars developed dangerous practices in villages. The ‘new sect’ has been brought in the villages and is troubling the farmers in regard to land issues, which are supposed to be dealt with by the Revenue Department. Some persons in a bid to make a fast buck have been making a mountain out of a molehill.
The experts also expressed the view that a stringent punishment should be handed to the guilty who indulge in land grabbing, faking documents, changing of land records and other mal-practices. If stringent punishment is given to the guilty, it will act as deterrent and such malpractices will not recur. Instead of dilly-dallying, the government should start acting and ensure that the issues are resolved, the experts in Revenue matters asserted.
