J&K’s Digitized Jamabandis should be considered as Rough (Chant) Registers

By Mohammad Amin Mir

Jamabandis are essential documents in revenue records, serving as the foundation of land ownership and management. A Jamabandi consists of multiple components, including Khewat numbers, Khata numbers, names of landowners and tenants (with parentage), survey numbers, land area and soil type, irrigation sources, cess charges, mutation details, and remarks. These records are meticulously organized in tabular form, ensuring that landholdings are accurately documented. In revenue parlance, a Jamabandi Charsala is updated every four years to incorporate new changes.

Before compiling a new Jamabandi for any revenue estate, all mutations attested over the last four years must be incorporated into the previous Jamabandi using red ink for visibility. Additionally, current Girdawari entries, especially mortgage cases, must be accounted for. Once these updates are complete, the Patwari must prepare a Chant Register—an essential yet often overlooked document. This register serves as a rough record, detailing ownership changes, land sales, and borrowings, ensuring transparency in land transactions. Despite its importance, most villages lack Chant Registers, leading to legal disputes and prolonged litigation in revenue and civil courts.

The government has harnessed information technology to modernize the revenue department, making land records accessible online through initiatives like “Aap Ki Zameen Aap Ki Nigraani.” The digitization of Jamabandis was carried out on a large scale, with officers and field staff working efficiently to update and scan records. However, the quality assurance process remains a challenge.

Deputy Commissioners have formed expert teams to verify the accuracy of these digital records. Once finalized, these Jamabandis will be permanently frozen, with officials certifying their accuracy. However, given the speed at which these records were digitized, ensuring 100% error-free documentation within a short time frame appears unrealistic.

Errors in Digital Jamabandis and their consequences

Numerous discrepancies have surfaced in digital Jamabandis. Many individuals visiting district record rooms, such as in Anantnag, report missing landholdings from online records. One resident from Qasbai Baghat, Anantnag, found that while he previously owned shares in two survey numbers, only one appeared in the digital Jamabandi. Such errors are widespread, with nearly 30% of visitors to record rooms encountering similar issues daily.

The root cause of these inaccuracies lies in the hurried digitization process. Many Patwaris, unfamiliar with computer technology, relied on computer operators who lacked expertise in revenue terminology. As a result, transcription errors, missing entries, and misinterpretations occurred. Additionally, mismatches between the total village area recorded in older Jamabandis (such as those from 1967-68) and their digital versions further highlight the inconsistencies.

The need to treat Digital Jamabandis as Verification Registers

Given the volume of errors, it is imperative to treat digital Jamabandis as verification registers rather than final records. A systematic approach is needed:

1. Comprehensive review by Revenue Officials: Patwaris, Girdawar Qanoongos (GQs), and Naib Tehsildars should be given a defined timeframe to cross-check and rectify discrepancies.

2. Incorporation of missing entries: Mortgage details, Kisan Credit Card (KCC) loans, and other financial encumbrances documented in Girdawari records must be integrated into the Jamabandis.

3. Assignment of dedicated resources: Revenue officials should be temporarily relieved from other assignments to focus solely on record verification.

4. Engagement of Retired Revenue officials: Experienced former officials can be recruited to assist in error detection and correction, particularly in regions facing staff shortages.

5. Village-wise fresh Jamabandi preparation: Following historical precedents, new Jamabandis should be written afresh for each village, incorporating all necessary mutations and rectifications before finalization.

The hasty digitization of Jamabandis, though a progressive step, has led to numerous errors that can significantly impact land ownership rights. Declaring digital Jamabandis as Chant Registers and systematically re-verifying them will ensure that the final records are as accurate and reliable as those of 1967-68. By prioritizing a meticulous review process, the government can achieve an error-free land record system, benefiting both the administration and the general public.

About the Author: Mohammad Amin Mir is an Office Patwari at the Tehsil Office, Qazigund.