KOLHAPUR: The district administration’s revenue department has initiated a significant campaign, designating 60,000 group numbers (Gat numbers) across 1,200 villages as ‘deemed non-agricultural’ (NA).
Guardian minister Prakash Abitkar stated on Saturday, “This is the first time such a decision has been implemented in Kolhapur, benefiting 3 lakh citizens directly.”
This special campaign affects 12 talukas within the district, impacting villages in Hatkanangale (62), Shirol (55), Chandgad (147), Shahuwadi (143), Karveer (126), Panhala (119), Radhanagari (117), Bhudargad (116), Ajra (101), Gadhinglaj (87), Kagal (86), and Gaganbawda (41).
This initiative aligns with the state government’s efforts to facilitate development for its citizens. Under Section 42 of the Maharashtra Land Revenue Act, 1966, and a government circular from 2022, lands located within 200 meters of a village boundary (Gaothan) are classified as non-agricultural.
In response, the district administration and the land records department identified survey numbers viable for residential, commercial, and industrial purposes. Except for lands already converted, detailed lists of the remaining 60,000 group numbers were prepared. Minister Abitkar officially presented these proposals to the tehsildars of the relevant talukas for further action.
The event saw attendance from MLA Amal Mahadik, MLA Ashokrao Mane, CEO Karthikeyan S., resident deputy collector Gajanan Gurav, and district superintendent of land records Shivaji Bhosale.
Superintendent Bhosale explained, “Assessment challans will now be distributed to landholders via the Tehsil office. Once the landholder pays the required non-agricultural sum and conversion tax, the Tehsildar will promptly issue the NA certificate.”
Bhosale emphasized a significant procedural change: “The need for No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from various departments, including input from the Town Planning Department, has been eliminated. This will save time and money for citizens seeking non-agricultural status without needing to interact with multiple offices.”
Guardian Minister Abitkar added, “Kolhapur is the first district in the state to implement this public interest measure as decided by revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule. The administration must ensure that information is accessible, allowing citizens to verify their names for further action.”
