BHUBANESWAR: The Odisha government is set to introduce a new land management law in the upcoming assembly session, aiming to replace multiple existing Acts related to land administration, as stated by Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari on Monday.
A consultative meeting regarding the proposed legislation, known as the Odisha Govt Land Management Act, was conducted on Monday. “The draft is ready, and we anticipate introducing the Bill during the next session of the Vidhan Sabha,” Pujari informed the media.
The proposed law aims to replace outdated and overlapping revenue statutes with a more cohesive legal framework. Landmark laws such as the Odisha Prevention of Land Encroachment Act, 1972, and the Odisha Govt Land Settlement Act, 1962, will be unified into a single, comprehensive legislation.
Pujari emphasized that the draft was developed following consultations with experts, senior revenue officials, and district collectors to ensure efficient land management within the revenue department.
During discussions on the draft by senior officials of the revenue and law departments, it was noted that the final version would soon be presented to the minister for initial approval. Following this, it will be accessible on the revenue department’s website for public feedback for approximately a month before being submitted to the cabinet and subsequently presented in the assembly.
The new Act aims to streamline land administration processes, eliminate legal ambiguities, accelerate land settlement, and enhance transparency, efficiency, and user-friendliness. Pujari attributed existing complexities to historical land laws, many of which date back to the pre-British era and are spread across various statutes.
“It’s crucial to regularly update all laws. Many of these revenue laws are outdated and are currently under review to make them relevant to contemporary needs,” the minister added.
