Bukhari expresses displeasure over lapse of Rs 16 cr meant for settlement operation

Minister for Revenue, Syed Basharat Bukhari chairing a high level meeting at Jammu on Tuesday.
Minister for Revenue, Syed Basharat Bukhari chairing a high level meeting at Jammu on Tuesday.

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 12: Minister for Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation, Syed Basharat Bukhari today convened a high level meeting of the officers of Revenue Department to review the status of settlement operations and computerization of land records in the State.
The Minister directed Financial Commissioner Revenue to submit the report of 6 villages, 3 each in Srinagar and Jammu, where settlement and digitization of revenue records has been already completed on pilot basis. He also instructed that revenue record in 866 villages should be kept on web site for information of the people.
Financial Commissioner Revenue, Pramod Jain, Commissioner Secretary Revenue, Mohammad Afzal, Settlement Commissioner, Regional Director Land Records and Survey, Deputy Commissioner Central besides other concerned senior officers attended the meeting.
The Minister underscored the need for strengthening of Settlement Organisation and asked the concerned authorities to come with a proposal keeping in view the futuristic plans of the Department.
The Minister expressed displeasure over the lapse of Rs 16 crore meant for settlement besides maintenance of revenue records under Computerization of Land Records Scheme. He directed the funds to the tune of Rs 45 crore sanctioned by the Centre under Digital India Land Modernization Programme (DILRMP) should be utilized strictly for settlement and computerization of land records.
The Minister said in first phase the settlement work of Srinagar and Jammu Districts would be completed and asked the RAM Tech India which have been entrusted with the digitization of land records work to expedite its efforts and ensure completion of the job in fixed time frame. He said that he will personally monitor the progress of settlement fortnightly, adding that the settlement of other districts would be taken in second and third phase in the State.
The Revenue Minister exhorted upon the officers to adhere to the timeline of settlement targets and contribute in the preparation of reliable revenue records making devotion and integrity benchmark of the functioning
He said the settlement operation is fundamental in the land management system adding that meticulous preparation of Records of Rights not only facilitates resolution of land disputes but also minimizes land wrangles and conflicts.
Financial Commissioner Revenue gave a detailed over view on the settlement and computerization of land records in the State.