In a massive step toward modern governance, the Maharashtra government has rolled out a reform that will change how millions of citizens handle their property and farm documents. The state has now granted full legal status to digitally signed land records. This means the digital copies you download online are just as valid as the physical copies signed by officials, putting an end to bureaucratic hurdles and the need to chase paperwork.
The problem with the old way
Before this announcement, citizens could access their land records, like the essential 7/12 and 8A documents, online. However, these downloaded files were considered only for “informational purposes.” If you needed a document for any serious business—such as applying for a bank loan, registering a property or using it in a court case—you still had to visit a local Talathi or revenue office to get a physical copy with a manual signature and stamp. This often led to long queues, significant delays and opportunities for corruption or unofficial payments.
What is legally valid now?
The Maharashtra Revenue Department has declared that three key documents, when digitally signed and downloaded from their official portal, are now certified true copies:
- 7/12 extract (Saat baara utara): This is the most crucial record, serving as the primary proof of ownership for agricultural land. It contains detailed information about who owns the land, its exact area, what is being cultivated and if there are any liabilities or loans against it.
- 8A extract: This is the financial ledger for the property. It records the owner’s details in the Village Form 8A register, tracks the land tax assessed and shows any revenue dues or liabilities associated with the plot.
- Mutation entry (Ferfar): This document tracks the history of a land parcel. It records every time the ownership of the property changes hands, whether through a sale, inheritance, gift or partition. It is vital for keeping government records up to date.
How do you get the new digital documents?
This revolutionary service is accessible through the state’s official “Bhulekh Mahabhumi” portal. Citizens can now download their legally valid, digitally signed records for a nominal fee of just ₹15 per document.
To ensure these digital copies are tamper-proof and authentic, the government has embedded strong security features into every file:
- Digital Signature: An authenticated electronic signature replaces the manual stamp and signature of the Talathi.
- QR Code: A scannable code allows any agency, whether a bank or a court—to instantly verify the document’s authenticity against the government’s central server.
- 16-Digit Verification Number: A unique code that serves as a second layer of verification.
Under Section 5 of the Information Technology Act, 2000, these computer-generated records are given the same legal weight as traditional, manually certified documents, making them acceptable in virtually all official and legal settings.
The end of delays and corruption
The immediate goal of this reform is to bring transparency and efficiency. Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule noted that by removing the dependency on manual processes, the government is tackling delays and ending harassment at the local level.
For farmers and landowners, the benefits are clear: getting an official document for a crop loan or a legal matter can now be done instantly, 24/7, without having to travel long distances or stand in queues. For the real estate sector and financial institutions, this ensures faster title checks and reduces the risk associated with forged or outdated land documents, ultimately streamlining property transactions across Maharashtra. This is a decisive move that solidifies the state’s commitment to technology-driven, transparent land governance.
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Disclaimer – This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Readers should consult official government sources or legal professionals for specific guidance.
Source – Hindustan Times
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