Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has announced fresh measures to resolve long-pending land ownership and zamindari-related disputes across the state, with Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari stating that all such pending issues should be settled by December this year.

Speaking to reporters, the minister said the process of abolishing the zamindari system had begun in the 1960s, under which land ownership was supposed to vest with the government after the abolition of intermediary landlords. However, several cases related to “salami” payments and land ownership are still pending, particularly in former princely state regions.

Landholders asked to clear Salami dues for ownership rights

The minister said many landholders had received pattas (land titles) but had not deposited the required salami charges, leading to revenue losses for the state government. He clarified that rightful occupants who deposit the required salami amount would be recognised as legal owners of the land.

The government has reportedly given a one-month window for eligible beneficiaries to complete the required formalities.

Pujari also announced that a grading system would soon be introduced in the revenue service delivery mechanism. 
Districts performing efficiently in resolving land and revenue-related issues would receive higher gradation rankings.

Bhoodan Act likely to be phased out in Odisha

He further indicated that the state government is also planning to phase out the Bhoodan Act in the future as part of broader land administration reforms.

On the ongoing census process, the minister said nearly 90 per cent of enumeration work in Odisha has already been completed, while Koraput district has achieved around 87 per cent coverage.

Odisha ready to counter Andhra Pradesh border intrusions: Minister

Referring to the border dispute issue with Andhra Pradesh, Pujari alleged that officials from the neighbouring state had entered Odisha territory on two occasions recently. He claimed that local residents and police personnel had prevented them from proceeding further.

The minister said Odisha administrative officials have visited the affected villages and asserted that the state government is fully prepared to counter any such attempts. He added that efforts are underway to expedite proceedings related to the dispute in the Supreme Court.