Bhulekh: A Complete Guide, Definition, Benefits, & Change Name Online

23 NOVEMBER, 2022

The history of Bhulekh can be traced back to ancient times in India. Bhulekh was a process of keeping land records that became more systematic under British rule. After independence, the Indian government took over the maintenance of these records.

To make it easy for all individuals to access land records, the Indian government supported the Computerisation of Land Records (CLR) and launched the National Land Records Modernisation Programme (NLRMP). Today, land records of every state are available on the Bhulekh website of the respective state. Read on to learn more about Bhulekh.

Bhulekh Definition

With Bhulekh, the Indian government has digitised the land records system. Digitisation has brought transparency and wiped out manual tasks in managing these records.

Citizens can now get the land details of any state online within minutes from anywhere at any time. They can view and download the land owner's details and other land-related information through the Bhulekh website.

The Indian government has issued guidelines to all the states to create their online Bhulekh portal to computerised land records. Around 90% of Indian states have submitted their land registry details to an online repository. Citizens can access these records online through state portals like Bhulekh Delhi, Bhulekh UP etc. Soon all other states will be offering the Bhulekh records online.

The land settlement records are also digitised for quick resolution of property disputes. The government updates these records regularly and keeps a constant check on them.

You can make use of the following services on the Bhulekh website:

• Khasra number or Khatauni check
• Fard
• Records of Rights (Jamabandi)
• Copy of Records of Rights (nakal Jamabandi)
• Verify and follow property mutation

Importance of Bhulekh

The following are significant advantages of Bhulekh records online:

• Speedy update: A citizen can quickly update any new information related to the property through the state-specific online land record portal.
• Get more information: It is easy to obtain any land-related information from the portal. You can visit the state-specific portal and look for the required information by entering the land's khatauni or Khasra number.
• Acquire maps: It is very simple to get the maps of any property. You can ask for maps while availing of a land loan.
• Increased transparency: The computerisation of land records has increased transparency in maintaining these records. As a result, the cases of illegal land possession, exploitation of minors, land disputes and lawsuits have decreased considerably.
• Eliminates the need to visit the revenue department: Now, citizens need not visit the revenue office for any property-related details.
• High legal value: Bhulekh facilitates quick resolution of legal disputes, sale or purchase of property and division of land.

What Is the Process for Changing the Name in Bhulekh Online Land Register?

Follow the steps below to change the landowner's name in land documents or the Bhulekh record.

1. Submit an Affidavit

The first step is to file an affidavit statement with all essential details, such as the existing owner's name, the new owner's name, the reason for the change of name, and the present address of the property in question. It should be signed by two gazetted officers and authorised by the notary.

2. Publish an Advertisement

Once the affidavit is filed and the owner's name is changed, it is essential to publish the change via local newspapers to inform the public formally. This advertisement must be issued in two newspapers, one in English and one in the state's regional language newspaper. The publication should include the following details:

• Existing owner's name
• New owner's name
• DOB (Date of Birth) of the existing and new owner
• Address of the property

3. Submission of the Notice in the Gazette

To complete the name change process, submit a copy of the newspaper publication to the Publication Department. Attach all essential documents to support your advertisement and to simplify the legal process of name change in the Bhulekh records.

4. Visit the Land Registry Department

After the name has been legally altered, the land owner should visit the land registry department. He should carry all the necessary documents to support the change of name. A minimum fee is charged while submitting these documents. Once this step is completed, the new name will be updated in the department's other records.

5. Investigation Process

The concerned bureaucrats will verify whether your request to change the landowner's name is valid or not. For this purpose, they investigate the name change request to verify if the revision in the property record is legitimate.

6. Update the Name Change

Once the validation is completed, the new name will be updated in the Bhulekh records. A copy of the same will be delivered to the applicant's registered address.

The entire system might take around 20 days to change the name in land records. The government has simplified and quickened this name change process by launching an online method. You can also complete this name change process through various online portals available in most states.

Essential Documents for Online Application of Name Change in the Bhulekh Land Records

• The minimum cost of the affidavit statement on stamp paper is Rs.10.
• 2 photographs in passport size.
• Copy of legal identity proof such as an Aadhaar card, PAN card, passport etc.
• A letter stating that the details furnished in the soft and hard copies of the application are legitimate.
• An application to the concerned authorities along with the minimum fee.
• Initial advertisement cutting published in the newspaper for the name change.
• A printed performance with signatures of the claimant and 2 witnesses.
• A CD with a duly signed soft copy of the application form in .docx format.

Conclusion

Many citizens have benefited from the computerisation of land records in India. In addition to quick access to land records, Bhulekh records also facilitate the maintenance of mutation records. These land records can be easily updated as per land mutations. It has become very easy to track revenue and registration using the Bhulekh platform.