Archive · 18 Sep 2026
Madhya Pradesh Clarifies Patwaris’ Role In Land Registrations
Madhya Pradesh has a scheme for preparing land documents and registrations.
Patwaris are revenue officials who were appointed to carry out some registrations.
Some Patwaris refused to sign the documents because they were worried about future problems.
The government said they should not be punished for doing their assigned work.
It explained that they use information already written in Khasra land records.
Patwari leaders said this may not be enough if a land dispute happens later.
They asked the government to remove their names as registration officers.
The government planned a meeting to discuss the disagreement, and the Patwari Sangh has gone to court.
The Madhya Pradesh Revenue Department wrote to collectors after Patwaris refused to sign registries under the SVAMITVA scheme.
The government appointed Patwaris as executing officers for registering landowners whose names appear in existing Khasra records.
The department said officials should not face action for registrations unless they act arbitrarily.
Patwari Sangh president Upendra Singh Baghel questioned how Patwaris could register already-recorded land or investigate future disputes.
The state government scheduled a meeting for Saturday to seek a solution, while the Patwari Sangh has filed a court petition.
- Who
- The Madhya Pradesh Revenue Department, state collectors, Patwaris, and the Patwari Sangh, led by president Upendra Singh Baghel.
- What
- The Revenue Department clarified Patwaris’ responsibilities in land registrations under the SVAMITVA scheme after officials refused to sign registries.
- When
- The department sent the clarification before a government meeting scheduled for Saturday; no specific date was provided.
- Where
- Madhya Pradesh, with the letter sent to district collectors.
- Why
- Patwaris raised concerns about responsibility for registrations and investigating future land disputes, while the government sought to continue the scheme.
Government Position
Patwari Concerns
Responsibility for registrations
Government Position
The government says Patwaris were appointed as executing officers and rely on information already recorded in Khasra documents, limiting the chance of discrepancies.
Patwari Concerns
Patwari leaders question how officials can register land that is already recorded in the same person’s name and fear responsibility for later problems.
Potential disciplinary action
Government Position
The Revenue Department says an official should not be penalized simply for carrying out the executing-officer role unless acting arbitrarily.
Patwari Concerns
Patwaris’ refusal to sign registries and their demand to be removed as registration officers indicate concern about possible future accountability.
Resolving the dispute
Government Position
The government has called a meeting to find a solution to the issue.
Patwari Concerns
The Patwari Sangh has filed a court petition while seeking changes to the registration arrangement.
- Scheme
- Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas (SVAMITVA)
- Government action
- The Revenue Department wrote to collectors clarifying Patwaris’ role.
- Patwari responsibility
- Patwaris execute registrations for landowners named in existing Khasra records.
- Government position
- Officials should not face action merely for serving as executing officers unless they act arbitrarily.
- Patwari demand
- The Patwari Sangh wants Patwaris removed as registration officers.
- Legal action
- The Patwari Sangh has filed a petition in court.
- Next step
- The state government called a meeting for Saturday to seek a solution.