In a first, crucial land document issued online in Maharashtra
What's the story
Taking a huge leap towards reducing corruption, Maharashtra CM made available a crucial land title document, known as 7/12 extract, online yesterday. People can sign the document digitally and download a printed copy for official purposes. Earlier, talathis prepared hand-written documents and only they had the power to make changes to it, which led to bribery, disputes and delays.
Details
100% work not done yet, three districts still left
To equip them with the system, 16,000 talathis or local level revenue staff were trained and given data-cards, which assisted in making the 7/12 extracts available online. This reduces human interference, as there's no need for people to visit the collectors or tehsil offices for the document. However, 100% work isn't done, as villages in Sindhudurg, Ratnagiri and Solapur are yet to be covered.
Information
Why is 7/12 extract so important?
The 7/12 extract gives wholesome information about plots in Maharashtra. It's used for loan agreements, crop survey and for availing government amenities. Around 20L applications for 7/12 extracts are received annually. It's a combination of two forms, numbered 7 and 12, hence the name.
Process
Document to be available on Mahabhulekh and Aaple Sarkar portals
CM Devendra Fadnavis assured that digitized version of the document will be available for 43,000 villages from August 1. After downloading the document from mahabhulekh.maharashtra.gov.in, Aaple Sarkar portal and apps, one has to enter details like district, taluka, village and others, after which a PDF document will be generated. The digitally-attested record will also be stored in 'DigiLocker'.
Other projects
Digital repository of land maps also in the making
Apart from digitizing the 7/12 extract, the Maharashtra revenue department has also undertaken a project to create a digital repository of all land-maps. Fadnavis said that a pilot project has been started in six districts, which will be extended to other districts. Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue) Manukumar Shrivastava added that in the current financial year, 28 districts will be covered under this scheme.