Revenue Department Working to Bring Positive Change in Citizens’ Lives: Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule

Pune, Feb 2026 : Maharashtra’s Revenue Department is making concerted efforts to bring positive change in the lives of citizens by providing faster, transparent and people-centric services, Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule said on Thursday. He appealed to citizens to cooperate with the department in its initiatives aimed at making revenue services more efficient, transparent and citizen-friendly.

The minister was speaking during an interactive session held at the inauguration of the ‘MEA International Business Expo–2026’, organised by the Maratha Entrepreneurs Association at the Agriculture College Ground, Sinchan Nagar, Pune. Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol, MP Shrirang Barne, former MP Ravindra Gaikwad, Pune Mayor Manjusha Nagpure, Standing Committee Chairman Shrinath Bhimale, Maratha Entrepreneurs Association President Vikram Gaikwad, former president Ankush Asabe, Arun Nimhan, office-bearers of the association, entrepreneurs and others were present.

Minister Bawankule said the Revenue Department carries a crucial responsibility in safeguarding citizens’ property rights and therefore forms the backbone of the administration. Since 2012–13, around 13,000 cases had been pending with the department. Considering the hardship faced by citizens, cases were categorised and distributed among the Minister of State for Revenue and the Principal Secretary of the department. Of the nearly 6,000 cases handled by the Revenue Minister, hearings have been completed in about 2,000 matters and 1,200 orders have already been issued. Plans are underway to dispose of all pending cases, and instructions have been issued to ensure that no case remains pending for more than three months in the future. Strict action will be taken against officials causing undue delays.

He said 55 categories of services have been brought under the Right to Service Act, and a proposal to delegate all ministerial powers to district collectors is under consideration. This will enable citizens to access revenue-related services from home. Major amendments have been made to the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code, eliminating the need for farmers to seek permission from district collectors for non-agricultural (NA) use or sanad approvals. The repeal of the Fragmentation Act has paved the way for nearly 60 lakh families to receive 7/12 land records.

Modern Registration Offices Planned

The government is considering introducing ‘Vertical Property Cards’ and fixing ready reckoner rates on a sector-wise basis. On the lines of ‘One District–One Registration’, a ‘One State–One Registration’ system is proposed, for which 60 state-of-the-art registration offices will be established.

Emphasis on M-Sand Usage

Due to restrictions on natural sand supply arising from NGT norms, an M-sand policy has been introduced. Entrepreneurs were urged to set up M-sand crushers and ensure the use of quality sand as per government guidelines. Royalty for M-sand has been fixed at ₹200, compared to ₹600 for natural sand, and large-scale stone availability will be ensured.

Farm Roads and Farmer Welfare

Highlighting the importance of farm roads in reducing farmer distress and improving market access, Bawankule said the government is working to provide 12 hours of daytime electricity, assured water supply and all-weather roads to farms. Under the Chief Minister’s Solar Feeder Scheme, a project has been prepared to provide daytime power to 45 lakh farmers.

Technology Reducing Land Disputes

He noted that the shift to drone- and rover-based e-measurement has improved accuracy and speed, leading to nearly a 60 per cent reduction in land disputes. A proposal is under consideration to issue property cards within one-and-a-half months.

Focus on Employment Generation

Praising the Maratha Entrepreneurs Association for organising the expo, Bawankule said the state government, under the guidance of Devendra Fadnavis, is prioritising industrialisation, agricultural employment and job creation. Agreements signed at Davos are expected to generate around 15 lakh jobs.

Union Minister Murlidhar Mohol said initiatives like Make in India, Startup India and Atmanirbhar Bharat, led by Narendra Modi, have provided entrepreneurs with a strong platform. Maharashtra continues to attract the highest foreign direct investment, with Pune emerging as a major hub for education, culture, startups, automobiles and information technology.

The interactive session with Minister Bawankule was conducted by actor Avdhoot Gupte.