Odisha Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari has directed all district administrations to conduct a door-to-door survey to identify families owning less than 4 decimals of land.
The initiative is part of the state government’s commitment to extending the benefits of the Vasundhara Scheme, which aims to provide land pattas (ownership records) to landless and marginal landholders.
Minister Pujari emphasized the government’s resolve to secure land rights for the most vulnerable sections of society. “Those who own no land or hold less than 4 decimals will be identified and provided with land ownership under the Vasundhara Scheme,” he said.
Odisha currently operates under two revenue laws governing land distribution. The Minister highlighted issues in existing records—some beneficiaries have inherited over 5 decimals, while others received less than one decimal, often without proper documentation or registration in their names.
To rectify such discrepancies, the state government has amended the Odisha Land Settlement Rules, following Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s approval on May 17. An official notification has been issued regarding the new guidelines.
District Collectors have been instructed to carry out the survey in accordance with the revised rules and submit detailed reports. The initiative aims to bring clarity, justice, and legal ownership to thousands of families across Odisha who have remained landless or lacked formal documentation.
The state believes this move will not only empower marginalized communities but also lay the groundwork for their socio-economic upliftment.
