Maharashtra Starts Drive to Register Leased Govt Lands

Government Orders Land Record Cleanup to Prevent Ownership Disputes Across Maharashtra

In a major administrative reform, the Maharashtra government has launched a statewide verification drive to ensure that all leased government lands are officially recorded only in the name of the Government of Maharashtra. The move aims to protect public land, improve transparency in land administration and stop unauthorized ownership claims.

The Revenue Department has directed district collectors across the state to complete the verification and correction of land records within the next three months.

Big Change in Land Records: Government to Remain the Official Occupant

Under the new policy, all government lands that were allotted on lease will continue to legally belong to the state government. Going forward, the “occupant” column in official land records will display only the name of the Government of Maharashtra.

Details of leaseholders—including their names, lease period and conditions—will not be removed but shifted to the “Other Rights” section of land records.

The decision was taken by Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule following directions from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

Why Maharashtra Government Took This Decision

According to officials, government land across Maharashtra has historically been leased for long periods such as 30 years, 99 years and in some cases even 999 years.

Over time, due to administrative lapses and incorrect entries, several leaseholders’ names were recorded directly in the occupant column instead of the state government. This created confusion and led some leaseholders to treat leased land as privately owned property.

The government believes this correction exercise will reduce legal disputes, prevent misuse of public assets and strengthen control over government-owned land.

Three-Month Statewide Verification Drive Begins

To implement the reform, district collectors have been instructed to immediately begin reviewing existing land records and update them within three months.

Authorities will identify leasehold government land cases and correct ownership entries wherever necessary.

The Revenue Department has also asked collectors to submit compliance reports after completing the process.

Leasehold Lands to Be Reclassified Under Occupant Class-II

Another important part of the initiative involves the classification of certain leased lands.

Lease agreements granted before the implementation of the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code, 1966—especially those given for 50 years with renewal rights or permanent lease arrangements—will now be governed under provisions related to “Occupant Class-II” under Section 29(3)(c).

Collectors have been directed to complete this classification exercise within 30 days.

Special Focus on Mumbai’s High-Value Government Land

Mumbai, where government land carries high commercial and real estate value, will receive special attention under the new policy.

Authorities have been instructed to immediately record all transfer-related restrictions attached to leasehold government lands in official records. The government expects this step to discourage attempts to convert leased properties into ownership claims.

Government Says Move Will Improve Transparency and Reduce Disputes

Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule said the initiative is part of Maharashtra’s larger goal to modernize revenue administration and create a more transparent land governance system.

According to the government, maintaining uniform land records will improve accuracy, reduce unnecessary litigation and help protect valuable public assets across the state.

With the statewide verification drive now underway, Maharashtra is taking a significant step toward tightening government land management and ensuring clearer ownership records for the future.