Gadwal: Telangana’s New Land Law Brings Hope and Challenges for Farmers
The Telangana government has launched a new land reform law called the Bhu Bharati Act, 2025. This law aims to make land records digital and more organized. It is being called a big step forward in land management. However, for many farmers, especially in rural areas, using the new system can be confusing and difficult.
A major feature of the new law is the Bhudhaar number. Each land parcel in the state will now have a unique number that is mapped using GPS. This helps make land boundaries more accurate and reduces disputes. Farmers can now go online and download their Bhudhaar Card through the Bhu Bharati portal.
Narsimha, a farmer from Alampur mandal, shared his experience. “Earlier, we had to visit many offices just to make small changes in land records. Now, I can see my land details online using the Bhudhaar number.”
The Bhu Bharati system replaces the old Dharani portal, which many criticized for being confusing and not transparent. The new system allows farmers to apply for land changes, view their land records, and even register property online. Each action is recorded with a time and date, making it more difficult for anyone to tamper with records.
“This is a positive change because it stops middlemen from taking advantage of farmers,” said a senior official from the Revenue Department. “Everything is now traceable.”
But not all farmers are finding it easy. Many elderly people and those living in remote villages struggle with using computers and smartphones. Ramulamma, a 65-year-old farmer, said, “I don’t know how to use these devices. I still need help from local agents or MeeSeva centers.”
This creates a new problem. The law was meant to reduce the need for middlemen, but now some are offering “technical help” to farmers—for a fee. In many cases, these agents and low-level officials still control the process, sometimes demanding bribes or delaying work.
In areas like Gadwal, Nagarkurnool, and Wanaparthy, farmers report that some revenue staff still misuse their power. Even with a digital system in place, if an officer delays uploading a land change or falsely reports a boundary problem, the farmer suffers.
Still, the Bhu Bharati Act has important benefits. If used properly, it can protect farmers’ land rights, make it easier to get bank loans, and help them qualify for government support like the Rythu Bandhu scheme and crop insurance.
The government is trying to help by training local officers and planning support centers to guide farmers. But until these are fully available, many farmers may still face difficulties and possible exploitation—this time through digital means.
To make the Bhu Bharati Act truly helpful, the government needs to close the digital gap and take strong action against officials who misuse the system. “Land is not just property—it’s our life,” said Morugu Srrinivasulu, a farmer in Aija mandal. “This law has potential. But if we don’t understand it, others will take advantage.”
The success of the Bhu Bharati Act will depend not just on technology, but on how easy, fair, and farmer-friendly it is in real life.
