Maharashtra Government Waives Registration Fees for Agricultural Land Partition: Big Relief for Farmers

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Mumbai: In a landmark move to ease the legal and financial burden on farmers, the Maharashtra state government has announced a complete waiver of registration fees for partition deeds related to agricultural land. The decision, taken by the Department of Registration and Stamps, aims to resolve long-pending disputes over land ownership and encourage more farmers to formally register land partitions.

Why the Change Was Needed

Previously, farmers had to pay a 1% registration fee (capped at ₹30,000) when registering partition deeds. Due to this financial burden, many families avoided the process altogether, leading to confusion over land ownership, legal disputes, and fragmentation of land records.

With the registration fee now waived, farmers are only required to pay a nominal ₹100 stamp duty for completing the process. Officials expect this move to significantly increase the number of registered land partitions across the state.

How Farmers Benefit

  • No Registration Fee: Farmers save up to ₹30,000 in registration charges.
  • Legal Clarity: Formal land partition helps avoid future disputes.
  • Easy Inheritance: Clear documentation aids in smooth property transmission across generations.

Government’s Viewpoint

Revenue and Registration Department officials highlighted that the decision was made under Section 85 of the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code, 1966. This policy aims to simplify legal processes for farmers and promote transparency in land dealings. Officials estimate that nearly 70 lakh farming families across Maharashtra will benefit from this waiver.

“This decision will encourage formal documentation and reduce the number of court cases related to land ownership in rural areas,” said a senior officer from the Registration Department.

Impact on State Revenue

While the government expects a revenue loss of ₹35 to ₹40 crore annually, it believes the long-term benefits—such as dispute reduction, better land records, and improved rural governance—outweigh the short-term fiscal impact.

Conclusion

This proactive step by the Maharashtra government marks a significant shift toward farmer-friendly governance. By eliminating financial barriers to land registration, the state is promoting fairness, clarity, and peace in rural property management.

Farmers are now encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity and get their land partitions legally registered at minimal cost, ensuring a secure and documented future for their agricultural assets.

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