BHUBANESWAR: To enhance governance, the Odisha Real Estate Regulatory Authority (ORERA) has begun the search for a land expert to help address complex disputes. This initiative follows the recent implementation of a standard operating procedure (SOP) by the revenue and disaster management department for the registration of part plots across the state.
ORERA is currently accepting applications from retired Odisha Administrative Service (OAS) officers, particularly those with at least eight years of experience as tehsildars, sub-collectors, or land acquisition officers. The selected consultant, who should be under 62 years old, will assist ORERA in reviewing land documents, assessing building and layout plans, and facilitating the resolution of intricate land disputes.
“This is a timely step. ORERA handles a significant number of cases involving land issues, especially those related to registration. Having a land expert will help the authority navigate these complexities more efficiently,” noted real estate expert Bimalendu Pradhan.
This announcement coincides with the launch of a long-awaited SOP for part plot registrations, recently introduced by revenue and disaster management minister Suresh Kumar Pujari, aimed at clarifying ambiguities and ensuring uniformity among registering officials to enhance public convenience.
For years, the registration of part plots, common in family settlements, agricultural land transfers, and urban developments, has faced issues due to varied interpretations of the Registration Act of 1908 and the Odisha Registration (Amendment) Act of 2013. The new SOP aims to address these challenges by providing clear guidelines.
Under this SOP, part plot registration in rural areas will now be permitted without preconditions, with the exception of jalasaya kissam (water body) plots, which must be fully transferred. Sub-divisions are limited to 500 square meters in such cases.
For agricultural land, sub-division is permissible if the land maintains its agricultural classification, with a self-declaration in Form D. This aspect has long caused confusion in the sector. In urban and planned areas, the process will adhere to the Odisha Development Authorities (ODA) Act and the Town Planning (TP) Act, allowing exceptions for family-based sub-divisions and others.
