Revenue Records in Andhra Pradesh

Revenue records in Andhra Pradesh hold significant importance in governance, land administration,
and rural as well as urban development. These records not only determine the ownership and
possession of land but also act as a basis for taxation, planning, welfare schemes, and dispute
resolution. The revenue administration system in Andhra Pradesh has evolved over centuries,
beginning from ancient and medieval times to modern digital records maintained by the state
government. The revenue record in Andhra Pradesh mainly refers to documents that maintain
detailed accounts of land ownership, possession, classification, extent, tenancy, and usage. Some
of the essential records include Adangal (Pahani), ROR (Record of Rights), FMB (Field
Measurement Book), and 1B register. These documents collectively form the basis of land revenue
collection and legal rights of farmers and landholders. Historically, the revenue system was
influenced by various rulers who ruled Andhra Pradesh. During the Vijayanagara Empire and later
under Mughal and British administration, systematic records of land and revenue were introduced.
The British created the Ryotwari system in the Madras Presidency, which included most parts of
Andhra Pradesh. This system recognized the cultivator (Ryot) as the owner of land and required
them to pay land revenue directly to the government. Over time, this laid the foundation for the
modern revenue records. Post-independence, the government of Andhra Pradesh undertook
several reforms in land administration. The Andhra Pradesh Record of Rights in Land and Pattadar
Passbooks Act, 1971 was a landmark legislation that sought to provide clarity on ownership and
possession. It mandated the preparation and maintenance of the Record of Rights (ROR) for every
piece of agricultural land. The Pattadar Passbook was introduced as a proof of ownership and title,
containing details of landholder, extent, survey number, and land classification. The Adangal or
Pahani is one of the most crucial documents prepared annually by the Village Revenue Officer
(VRO). It contains information such as details of crops cultivated, type of soil, water source, nature
of possession (owner or tenant), and land revenue payable. This record becomes the basis for
agricultural loans, crop insurance, disaster compensation, and government subsidies. The 1B
register is another significant document that reflects ownership details of land. It contains the
survey number, extent, khata number, and name of the Pattadar (owner). This register is linked to
the Adangal and both together ensure an accurate picture of landholding and cultivation. Field
Measurement Books (FMB) are technical documents that provide sketch maps of every survey
number along with dimensions and boundaries. They play an essential role in resolving boundary
disputes and in planning for infrastructure and development projects. Digital mapping has been
undertaken in recent years to integrate FMB with GIS systems, enhancing transparency and
accessibility. In recent years, Andhra Pradesh has embraced digital governance to modernize its
revenue record management. The Meebhoomi portal was launched by the state government to
make land records accessible to citizens online. Through this portal, citizens can view their
Adangal, 1B register, ROR, and other revenue-related documents. This initiative reduced
corruption, minimized middlemen, and brought transparency to the system. The digitalization also
helps in linking Aadhaar numbers with land records, thereby ensuring authenticity and preventing
fraud. Revenue records also play a significant role in government welfare schemes. Subsidies for
fertilizers, seeds, irrigation schemes, PM-Kisan benefits, and disaster relief funds are distributed on
the basis of land ownership and cultivation records. Banks also rely on these documents to provide
agricultural loans, making them vital for rural credit and economy. Accurate records ensure that the
rightful beneficiaries receive the support intended by the government. Despite these developments,
challenges remain in maintaining accurate revenue records. Issues like encroachments, disputed
boundaries, benami transactions, and outdated entries create complications for farmers and
administrators. Frequent changes in possession due to inheritance, sales, and tenancy transfers
demand constant updating of records. The government has initiated resurvey projects using
modern technology like drones and GPS to rectify errors and update records. Another important
aspect of revenue records is their role in dispute resolution. Land-related disputes form a major
portion of civil cases in India. Authentic and updated revenue records provide legal clarity and
assist courts in quick decision-making. The Pattadar Passbook and Title Deed, when linked with
Aadhaar and other government IDs, act as legal proof in ownership disputes. Digitized revenue
records also reduce the chances of manipulation and forged documents. Revenue records also
contribute to developmental planning. Government projects like construction of roads, irrigation
canals, housing colonies, and industrial zones require accurate mapping of land. Compensation for
land acquisition is based on revenue records, ensuring fairness to affected landholders. Moreover,
rural development schemes like MGNREGA and watershed programs depend on land classification
and usage data available in these records. The integration of revenue records with other
government databases is also a key development. For example, linking land records with property
registration, Aadhaar, and banking systems ensures a holistic approach to governance. It enables
easy monitoring of land transactions, reduces fraudulent sales, and brings accountability. In
conclusion, revenue records in Andhra Pradesh form the backbone of land administration and rural
economy. They not only define ownership and cultivation rights but also facilitate welfare
distribution, credit access, and dispute resolution. With increasing digitalization, transparency, and
integration with modern technology, revenue record management has become more efficient.
However, continuous updates, grievance redressal mechanisms, and awareness among citizens
remain crucial for the system’s success. The vision of “Digital Andhra Pradesh” with accurate,
accessible, and transparent land records is a step toward inclusive growth and good governance.