IT News
Imphal, Oct 25:
In a period marked by economic challenges, the functioning of revenue offices in Manipur has reportedly become a significant barrier to the growth of small-scale farmers and businesses. Despite the state government’s emphasis on e-governance, obtaining land titles—essential for accessing government schemes and bank loans—has allegedly become increasingly complex and time-consuming.
Sources indicate that landholders face particular challenges in areas like Mayang Imphal. To participate in government initiatives such as the Prime Minister’s fishery scheme, applicants are required to submit a computerized land title, or patta. However, obtaining this patta from the Mayang Imphal Sub-Divisional Office (SDC) is said to involve a lengthy and cumbersome process, often extending over weeks or even months.
The process reportedly begins with a visit to the Mayang Imphal SDC to pay the necessary revenue amount, after which individuals must travel to the Lamphel District Commissioner’s (DC) office to secure a printout of the computerized patta. The final step involves returning to the Mayang Imphal SDC to obtain the SDC officer’s signature. However, sources suggest that the SDC officer or the revenue receiver is frequently unavailable, with one or the other often away at the Lamphel DC office, resulting in substantial delays.
For marginal farmers, these delays are described as particularly harmful, taking away valuable time that could be spent in their fields. Similar complaints have reportedly emerged from other districts, including Bishnupur.
While computerization was intended to streamline these processes and enhance accessibility for citizens, it appears to have inadvertently introduced further obstacles. Reports suggest that the additional travel expenses, time lost, and occasional informal payments required to expedite processes have only added to the burdens faced by small-scale farmers and businesses.
Observers have noted the need for urgent intervention from the Chief Minister, who also holds the Revenue portfolio, suggesting that reforms in the operation of revenue offices and improvements in the e-governance framework could play a crucial role in supporting economic growth and enhancing the livelihoods of citizens in Manipur.
