The Telangana government is poised to roll out a significant reform in its land administration, with Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy scheduled to officially distribute licenses to a new cohort of skilled surveyors on October 19. This initiative is set to enhance efficient revenue management and land record accuracy right down to the grassroots.
This crucial advancement in revenue administration began with an extensive recruitment drive. The State Government invited applications for licensed surveyor positions, receiving an overwhelming 10,000 responses. Following a comprehensive training program, 3,465 individuals successfully completed the rigorous qualification process and are now recognized as licensed surveyors.
What exactly do these licensed surveyors do?
- They are essential for providing accurate surveyor maps required for land registration during sales transactions.
- Their duties include precisely measuring the extent of land parcels.
- They are responsible for preparing detailed and verified maps for all registered properties.
According to Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy, each ‘mandal’ (administrative division) will be allocated four to six licensed surveyors, a number determined by the size and land area of the respective mandal. This widespread deployment is a direct consequence of the Telangana Bhu Bharati (Record of Rights) Act 2025, which mandates the submission of land parcel maps for all property transactions, including sales, mortgages, or transfers.
The Act stipulates that for any land transaction to proceed, the Tahsildar or an authorized officer must issue a ‘Pattadar Pass Book cum Title Deed’ which, critically, must incorporate an updated survey or sub-division map, all in accordance with prescribed procedures and forms, and effective from a specified date.
Further expanding this vital service, an additional 3,000 qualified individuals commenced their training on August 18. An eligibility examination for aspiring licensed surveyors is slated for October 26. Those who successfully pass will undergo an intensive 40-day apprenticeship, with their services anticipated to be available starting the second week of December. This new framework complements the recent appointment of Gram Panchayat Officers (GPOs), who are now responsible for overseeing revenue affairs at the village level.
This initiative represents a significant departure from the policies of the previous Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) Government, which had controversially dissolved the posts of village revenue officers and assistants amid allegations of corruption. By re-establishing and substantially expanding the village revenue administration with a larger pool of surveyors, the current government aims to overcome the previous challenges where only 350 surveyors were deemed insufficient to meet the effective service demands of the local communities.