In a significant move to enhance uniformity and public convenience, the Revenue and Disaster Management (RDM) Department of Odisha has rolled out a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the registration of part plots across the state.
Announced by Revenue & DM Minister Suresh Pujari, the SOP supersedes all prior guidelines and seeks to address longstanding inconsistencies among Registering Officers, many of whom have been found lacking full knowledge of relevant laws and procedures.
The new directives draw from the Registration Act, 1908, and the Odisha Registration (Amendment) Act, 2013, providing clear, standardised instructions to ensure transparency and ease of living for the public. “This initiative will foster a more efficient and equitable land registration system, reducing delays and disputes,” Minister Pujari emphasised during the rollout.
Key Provisions for Rural Areas
In rural regions, the registration of part plots is now permitted without any preconditions, except for Jalasaya Kissam plots. These must be transferred only as full plots, with any subdivisions limited to no more than 500 square meters. This provision aims to simplify land transactions while safeguarding water body integrity.
Safeguards for Agricultural Land
For agricultural plots, subdivision is allowed provided the land retains its agricultural Kissam classification. Applicants must submit a self-declaration in “Form D,” affirming that the plot will be used exclusively for agricultural purposes, thereby preventing misuse and preserving farmland.
Guidelines for Urban and Planned Developments
In urban and planned areas, registrations will adhere to the Odisha Development Authorities Act and the Town Planning Act. However, exemptions have been carved out to promote accessibility:
- Family subdivisions for inheritance or gifting.
- Small subdivisions under 500 square meters, as long as they are not intended for real estate development.
- Divisions among co-sharers, subject to mutual consent and proportionate share allocation.
Handling Pre-Existing Small Plots
Plots smaller than 500 square meters, recorded prior to the 2025 Odisha Development Authorities (ODA), Odisha Town Planning (OTP), and Information Technology (IT) Second Amendment Rules, can now be subdivided without conflicting with other legal requirements. This retroactive flexibility addresses historical backlogs and supports ongoing land use needs.
Directives for Registering Officers
To enforce compliance, Registering Officers are instructed to meticulously verify maps, boundaries, and supporting declarations. They must confirm adherence to exemption criteria and retain all self-declarations in official records. These steps are designed to minimise errors and uphold legal standards.
Effective immediately, the SOP mandates strict adherence statewide, positioning Odisha at the forefront of progressive land governance. Officials anticipate it will significantly reduce processing times and boost public trust in the registration ecosystem.
