G.O. (Ms.) No. 209, Patta Transfer, Amendment to Revenue Standing Order No. 31(8), 2011

What the government order changes

The Tamil Nadu Revenue Department issued Government Order (Ms.) No. 209 on 8 July 2011 to simplify the process for applying for a patta transfer. It amends Revenue Standing Order No. 31(8) by adding the Village Administrative Officer as an authorised person who can receive an application for changing a land record.

The amendment follows an announcement made by the Chief Minister in the Legislative Assembly on 10 June 2011. Its stated purpose is to reduce inconvenience to the public and speed up the handling of patta transfer applications.

Where an application may be submitted

Under the amended Revenue Standing Order No. 31(8), an application for a change in the land record may be submitted to any of the following:

• The Tahsildar of the taluk where the land is located.
• The Deputy Tahsildar of that taluk.
• The Revenue Inspector for the revenue village where the land is located.
• The Village Administrative Officer of that village.
• The registering authority when documents are presented for registration.

The specific change made by Government Order (Ms.) No. 209 is the addition of the Village Administrative Officer to this list.

Who is affected

Government Order (Ms.) No. 209 affects landowners, buyers and other people seeking a patta transfer after ownership or possession of land changes. It is particularly relevant to applicants who prefer to submit their application at the Village Administrative Office instead of going to a taluk level office.

The order explains that land transactions and applications for patta transfers had increased, including in suburban areas where agricultural land was being converted into house sites and sold. This had caused delays in disposing of applications at the taluk level.

Processing and land records

Government Order (Ms.) No. 209 records the following administrative expectations:

• Village land records should, as far as possible, show the true owners or persons enjoying the land through a right of possession.
• Land records should be maintained accurately and kept up to date.
• Patta transfer applications are computerised at the taluk office.
• A team consisting of the Tahsildar, Zonal Deputy Tahsildar, Revenue Inspector and Surveyor is to take the necessary action for early disposal.
• The Citizens Charter sets a period of 15 days for considering applications not involving subdivision and 30 days for applications involving subdivision.