Why in News
Reforming Jamma Bane Land Records in Kodagu: The Karnataka government has amended its land revenue law to address long-standing anomalies in Jamma Bane land records in Kodagu district. The amendment received the Governor’s assent on January 7, 2026, and has been officially notified.
The reform is aimed at correcting outdated ownership entries that have persisted for generations. It is expected to ease legal, financial, and administrative hurdles faced by local landholders.
Legislative Background
The reform has been enacted through the Karnataka Land Revenue (Second Amendment) Act, 2025. It brings Kodagu’s special land tenure system under the broader framework of the Karnataka Land Revenue Act.
The amendment also strengthens ongoing land record modernisation under the Bhoomi Project. This provides statutory backing to correct inconsistent historical entries in official records.
Static GK fact: Land revenue is a State List subject under the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
Understanding Jamma Bane Lands
Jamma Bane lands are hereditary land grants unique to Kodagu. They originated between the 17th and 19th centuries, issued by Coorg rulers and later recognised by British administrators.
These grants were typically given in return for military service. They include wet paddy lands and adjoining forested tracts, many of which later evolved into coffee plantations.
Traditionally, land records continued to carry the name of the original pattedar, even after multiple successions. This created a permanent mismatch between actual ownership and recorded ownership.
Static GK Tip: Kodagu was governed earlier under the Coorg Land Revenue Act, 1899, which followed different administrative practices.
Issues With Legacy Records
Outdated entries caused serious complications in mutation, inheritance, sale, and mortgage of land. Banks often refused loans due to unclear titles, affecting agricultural and plantation activities.
Despite the 1964 revenue law, informal continuation of old practices allowed errors to persist. Judicial interventions became frequent due to administrative inaction.
The Karnataka High Court has repeatedly upheld traditional Kodava ownership rights, including in the Chekkera Poovaiah vs State of Karnataka case.
Key Changes Under the Amendment
The amendment empowers Tahsildars in Kodagu to correct errors in the Record of Rights after proper enquiry. A new subsection has been inserted in Section 127 of the 1964 Act.
Officials can now delete or modify improper historical entries that do not reflect actual succession. Safeguards such as appeal provisions ensure procedural fairness and transparency.
These measures aim to provide landholders with legally valid, updated ownership records. This will improve access to credit, reduce litigation, and strengthen land governance.
Administrative Significance
The amendment received assent from Thawarchand Gehlot. It represents a move towards harmonising customary land systems with modern digital governance.
By integrating Kodagu’s unique tenure into Bhoomi records, the state ensures uniformity without erasing local history.
Static GK fact: Tahsildars function under the District Collector, who is the chief revenue authority at the district level.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Reforming Jamma Bane Land Records in Kodagu:
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