Nagpur: In a landmark decision aimed at alleviating the financial burden on farmers and preventing disputes over agricultural land, the Maharashtra cabinet has approved the waiver of registration fees for partitioning farmland. The decision, taken during Tuesday’s state cabinet meeting in Mumbai, was based on a proposal by the revenue department.Until now, the registration fee for property transactions in Maharashtra — including farmland and non-agricultural properties — was uniformly charged at 1% of the property’s value, capped at Rs30,000. While the stamp duty for agricultural land was already a nominal Rs100, the registration fee still applied, discouraging many farmers from formalising the partition of their land. This reluctance often led to unclear ownership and subsequent legal battles within families.In a statement, revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule said the registration fees were causing an unnecessary financial burden on farmers, and many avoided registering their partition deeds, leading to disputes and hardships later. “By waiving this fee under Section 85 of the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code, 1966, we are ensuring farmers can secure their ownership rights without financial strain.”The govt expects this move to increase the number of registered partition deeds for agricultural lands, which will help formalise ownership records and reduce conflicts. “This will accelerate the process of land record documentation, benefiting not just the farmers but also rural governance and planning,” Bawankule added.Officials estimate that the decision will lead to an annual revenue loss of Rs35–40 crore for the state, but they argue that this is a small price to pay for the long-term benefit of farmers’ peace of mind and legal clarity. “The waiver will ensure farmers and their families are spared from financial and mental distress arising from unregistered land partitions,” Bawankule emphasised.The decision is being widely welcomed by farmer groups and rural development advocates, who see it as a crucial step towards reducing litigation and improving the lives of farmers across the state.BOX# Key Points at a Glance:– Decision: Registration fee for partitioning agricultural land waived– Previous Fee: 1% of property value (max Rs30,000)– Stamp Duty: Rs100 nominal for agricultural land# New Rule: No registration fee for farmland partitions under Section 85– Expected Revenue Loss: ₹35–40 crore/year# Expected Impact:– Boosts registration of partition deeds– Reduces land disputes– Eases financial burden on farmers– Supports clear ownership documentation# Who Benefits?– Around 70 lakh farming families in Maharashtra– Strengthens rural governance and property record systems# Minister’s Take:“By waiving the registration fee, we’re giving farmers relief and protecting their rights.” – Chandrashekhar Bawankule
