By Maktoob
The Maharashtra government has mandated a comprehensive, three-month audit of land owned by churches, missionary groups, and related institutions across the state.
The exercise aims to uncover potential irregularities in land ownership and transfers, particularly involving properties dating back to the British era and post-Independence acquisitions, as reported by the Indian Express.
During the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly session, Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule announced that the audit would scrutinise land held by Christian missionary organisations across the state.
According to the government, the primary objective of the audit is to detect illegal encroachments, disputed titles, and violations in land ownership as part of its broader land management initiatives.
The minister clarified that organisations with legitimate land titles need not worry, but the government will review cases involving violations or irregularities. The review will determine whether land acquired or transferred to missionary groups complies with existing laws.
If suspicious or illegally transferred land is identified, legal action will be taken to reclaim it, the authorities said.
The process will be overseen by a high-powered committee led by the respective divisional commissioner and comprising senior officials from the Settlement Commissioner’s office, the police, and the Inspector General of Registration. For disputed lands that have already been developed or allocated for public use, the government will consult the legal department before making final decisions.
Bawankule made the announcement in response to concerns raised by legislators about irregular land transfers and ownership disputes involving missionary properties.
This story was originally published in maktoobmedia.com. Read the full story here.