As a significant move towards the digitisation of public services and making land-related transactions more convenient, the Maharashtra government has legally recognized digitally issued land records as full-fledged documents. The extracts of 7/12, 8A, and mutation entries are among the records that have been given legal validity to their digital versions. The decision made by the Revenue Department on December 4 is a landmark change in the way citizens can obtain and use land documentation for official and financial requirements.
Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, after the decision has been taken, said that the documents generated digitally can be treated as the physical copies which are certified when they are accessed through the government portal. Thus no manual verification or signatures from the revenue officials will be needed.
What Are 7/12 and 8A Extracts?
The 7/12 extract—commonly referred to as “Satbara”—is one of Maharashtra’s most important land documents. Issued by the Revenue Department for agricultural land, it records comprehensive information such as:
- Name(s) of the landowner
- Type and nature of cultivation
- Area of the land parcel
- Crop details
- Encumbrances or claims on the land
- Tenancy or occupancy information
It is widely used in land transactions, ownership verification, bank loan applications, dispute resolution, and as a primary proof of holding agricultural land.
The 8A extract complements the 7/12 by offering a financial profile of the land parcel. It includes, revenue assessment, tax liabilities, landlord–tenant structure, financial obligations associated with the land, Banks, potential buyers, and government bodies frequently rely on 8A extracts while assessing land-related liabilities.
What Is a Mutation Record?
A mutation record reflects the change in ownership after a land transaction such as a sale, inheritance, partition, gift, or transfer. Although a mutation entry does not confer ownership by itself, it is essential for ensuring that the government’s revenue records remain accurate and updated. This enables the correct individual to be recognised for tax collection, land administration, and future transactions.
What Has Changed Now?
Until now, citizens could download digital versions of their land documents from government portals, but these were considered “informational copies” and carried no legal validity. They could not be used in loan applications, legal submissions, or government procedures, compelling citizens to approach revenue offices physically for certified copies—often a process marked by long queues, delays, and paperwork.
However, from December 4, the government has officially accorded legal authenticity to these digital documents. According to the statement issued by the department, "Citizens can now obtain digitally signed 7/12 and 8-A village records and mutation entries through the state's 'Bhulekh Mahabhumi' portal for ₹15," the statement said.
These digitally issued documents will contain:
- A QR code
- A 16-digit verification number
- A digital signature under Section 5 of the Information Technology Act, 2000
This ensures that they will be treated as certified true copies of the original documents, completely eliminating the need for signatures from talathis or revenue officers.
The Revenue Department clarified that these digital copies will now be accepted across, Government and semi-government offices, Banks and financial institutions, Loan processing departments and Legal and judicial proceedings. To ensure immediate adoption across the state, Minister Bawankule has instructed district collectors and divisional commissioners to begin implementing the directive without delay.
The move strengthens Maharashtra’s broader digital governance and transparency goals. By reducing reliance on physical documents and manual intervention, the policy aims to simplify land record access, curb opportunities for corruption, and make processes citizen-friendly.
Developers, banks, and citizens alike are expected to benefit from quicker turnaround times for land-related tasks, smoother loan processing, and enhanced reliability in property dealings.
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