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An Insight into the Revenue Department of Gujarat: Functions, Structure, and Services

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The Revenue Department of Gujarat plays a pivotal role in managing land and revenue-related matters in the state. It acts as the backbone of Gujarat’s administrative framework by ensuring proper land management, collection of revenue, and implementation of government policies related to land and property. This department serves as a bridge between the government and citizens, helping in maintaining records, resolving disputes, and facilitating agricultural and urban development.

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Overview of Revenue Department, Gujarat

AspectDetails
Department NameRevenue Department, Government of Gujarat
Headquarter LocationGandhinagar, Gujarat
JurisdictionEntire state of Gujarat
Key FunctionLand management, revenue collection, dispute resolution
Current HeadPrincipal Secretary (Revenue)

The Revenue Department is responsible for a broad range of activities, including land record maintenance, collection of land revenue, administration of government lands, and implementation of land reforms.

Core Functions of the Revenue Department

  1. Land Revenue Collection
    The department collects land revenue from agricultural and non-agricultural lands, which is a crucial source of government income. It ensures proper assessment and timely collection to support state development projects.
  2. Maintenance of Land Records
    Accurate and updated land records are essential for land ownership proof, transactions, and dispute resolution. The department maintains detailed records such as the 7/12 extract, record of rights (ROR), and mutation registers.
  3. Land Dispute Resolution
    The department acts as the primary authority in settling land disputes through revenue courts and administrative processes, helping maintain peace and legal clarity.
  4. Implementation of Land Reforms
    It implements government policies related to land reforms, tenancy rights, and redistribution of government land to promote equitable growth.
  5. Digital Initiatives and E-Governance
    Gujarat’s Revenue Department has embraced technology to offer services online, such as land record viewing, mutation application, and revenue payments, making it citizen-friendly and transparent.

Organizational Structure

LevelRole Description
Principal SecretaryOverall in charge of department operations
Divisional CommissionersSupervise district-level activities
District CollectorsHead district revenue administration
Talati (Village Revenue Officer)Manage village-level land records and revenue collection
Revenue InspectorsInspect and verify land and revenue-related work

The hierarchical structure ensures smooth administration and quicker resolution of citizen grievances.

Key Services Offered by the Revenue Department

ServiceDescriptionMode of Access
Land Records (7/12 Extract)Ownership and land details for farmers and ownersOnline and Offline
Mutation of Land TitleTransfer of land ownership after sale or inheritanceOnline Application
Land Revenue PaymentPayment of land tax and duesOnline Portal & Offices
Dispute ResolutionHearing and resolving land-related disputesRevenue Courts
Issuance of No Objection Certificates (NOC)For land transactions and development worksRevenue Offices

Digital Transformation in Gujarat Revenue Department

The Gujarat government has prioritized digital governance, and the Revenue Department is a major beneficiary of this initiative. Citizens can now access important land-related services through the e-Dhara portal, which provides:

  • Viewing of land records anytime and anywhere
  • Application for mutation and correction of records
  • Payment of land revenue online
  • Status tracking of applications and requests

This digital shift has drastically reduced the need for physical visits to offices, thereby saving time and minimizing corruption.

Importance to Citizens and Economy

  • Farmers rely on the Revenue Department for proof of land ownership, which helps in obtaining loans and subsidies.
  • Urban and rural planners use land records for development and infrastructure projects.
  • Investors and developers need clear land titles and NOCs for property transactions.
  • The department’s effective revenue collection contributes significantly to the state’s finances, enabling welfare schemes and development activities.

Challenges Faced by the Department

  • Updating land records in fast-growing urban areas remains a complex task.
  • Resolving long-pending land disputes requires better legal and administrative support.
  • Ensuring data security and privacy with increasing digitization.

Closing Reflections

The Revenue Department of Gujarat is a vital administrative body that ensures efficient land management and revenue administration. Through its modernization efforts and citizen-centric services, it continues to support Gujarat’s socio-economic development. Its role in safeguarding land ownership rights and facilitating government schemes makes it indispensable for the state’s governance framework.

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