Land Records: Khasra & Khatauni — Set 18

Correct Answer: C. Column 7 of Jamabandi (Encumbrance Register)

The encumbrances on a land parcel — including mortgages, charges, court attachments, and other liabilities — are recorded in a dedicated column (typically Column 7) of the Jamabandi or Record of Rights. This prevents fraud in land transactions by ensuring that a buyer can check whether any encumbrance exists on a property before purchasing it. An 'Encumbrance Certificate' obtained from the Sub-Registrar's office also shows registered transactions against a property. Transparent encumbrance records are essential for the integrity of land markets.

Correct Answer: B. Consolidating multiple fragmented small plots into larger contiguous holdings

Chak Bandi or Land Consolidation is the process of consolidating multiple small, fragmented agricultural plots owned by a farmer into a single or fewer contiguous larger holdings. Fragmentation of land results from inheritance laws that divide land among heirs with each generation. Consolidated holdings are more efficient for mechanised cultivation and irrigation. Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh have had major Land Consolidation programs. The process involves redistributing land parcels among all landholders in a village while preserving total area.

Correct Answer: B. Partition and division of a jointly-held land parcel among co-sharers

Taqseem refers to the partition or division of a jointly-held land parcel (held by joint family or co-owners) into separate individual holdings. When co-sharers of land want to divide their joint holding, they apply to the revenue authority for Taqseem. A Revenue Officer — Patwari or Tehsildar — measures the land, calculates each share, and assigns specific plots to each co-sharer. After Taqseem, separate Khataunis are created for each divided portion. This process is distinct from inheritance mutation which only updates the names.

Correct Answer: B. Indian Forest Act 1927

Forest land in India is primarily classified and managed under the Indian Forest Act 1927, which provides for the constitution of Reserved Forests, Protected Forests, and Village Forests. Forest land is under the jurisdiction of the Forest Department, not the Revenue Department, and does not appear in the same land record system as agricultural land. The Forest Rights Act 2006 (Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers Recognition of Forest Rights Act) recognized the rights of tribal communities over forest land they have traditionally inhabited. Encroachment on forest land is regulated under the Forest Conservation Act 1980.

Correct Answer: B. A detailed map showing the actual boundaries of a specific land parcel

Tatima (also called field measurement map or Khasra map) is a detailed sketch or map showing the actual boundaries and area of a specific land parcel or survey number. It is prepared by the Patwari during field inspection or special survey. A Tatima shows the parcel's boundaries, adjacent parcels, common paths, water channels, and trees. It is required during court proceedings, land acquisition, and boundary disputes to clearly identify the specific land in question. Digitisation of Tatima maps is part of the DILRMP initiative.

Correct Answer: A. Uniform land registration procedures across all States

The National Generic Document Registration System (NGDRS) is a Central Government initiative under DILRMP to standardise and modernise property registration processes across all States and Union Territories. It provides a uniform software platform for property registration, enabling citizens to apply for registration, calculate stamp duty, book appointments, and pay fees online. NGDRS aims to bring transparency, efficiency, and uniformity to the property registration process. Integration of NGDRS with State land record systems ensures that registered transactions are automatically reflected in land records.

Correct Answer: C. Bhulekh

In Uttar Pradesh, the online land records portal where citizens can access their Khasra, Khatauni, and other land records is known as 'Bhulekh UP' (Bhulekh means land records in Hindi). Through this portal, citizens can view and download their records of rights, check mutation status, and access other land-related information without visiting revenue offices. Bhulekh UP is managed by the UP Board of Revenue and has significantly reduced corruption in land record access. Similar portals exist in other States — Bhoomi (Karnataka), Bhumi (Tamil Nadu), and Apna Khata (Rajasthan).

Correct Answer: B. It recognised forest rights of scheduled tribes and traditional forest dwellers over land they have occupied

The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act 2006 — commonly known as the Forest Rights Act (FRA) — recognised the rights of scheduled tribes and other traditional forest dwellers over forest land they have been cultivating or inhabiting for generations. It provides for individual rights over cultivated forest land (up to 4 hectares) and community rights over common forest resources. The Gram Sabha plays a central role in identifying and verifying forest rights claims under FRA. The Act seeks to correct historical injustice done to forest communities.

Correct Answer: B. A document listing all registered transactions against a property over a period

An Encumbrance Certificate (EC) is a document issued by the Sub-Registrar's office that lists all registered transactions (sale, mortgage, gift, court attachment, etc.) against a specific property over a specified period. It helps prospective buyers or lenders verify that the property does not have any existing mortgage or other charge that may affect their interests. The EC does not cover unregistered encumbrances like family settlements or oral agreements. Obtaining an EC before any land transaction is a standard legal requirement for property due diligence.

Correct Answer: B. To safely store and provide easy access to digitised land records

Modern Record Rooms (MRRs) are being created at tehsil headquarters under DILRMP to store computerised and digitised land records in a safe, organised, and accessible manner. The MRRs are equipped with computer systems, scanners, printers, and server infrastructure. They serve as the single point for citizens to access all their land records digitally, reducing the need to deal with multiple Patwaris or visit different offices. MRRs ensure the long-term preservation of historical land records in digital form and make land administration more efficient and transparent.