In a landmark decision for farmers and rural citizens, Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule has declared that digitally signed 7/12 (Satbara), 8-A, and mutation (ferfar) extracts downloaded from the Bhulekh Mahabhumi portal are now 100% legally valid for all official purposes, including banks, courts, government offices, loan processing, and legal proceedings.
The minister has issued strict instructions to all Divisional Commissioners, District Collectors, Sub-Divisional Officers, and Tehsildars to immediately implement the decision and recognize these digitally signed documents (bearing QR code and 16-digit verification number) as original certified copies.
Key Highlights of the Decision:
- Cost reduced to only ₹15 per certified extract (earlier ₹100–₹300 at talathi/setu kendra)
- No need for physical signature of talathi, circle officer, or any revenue official
- Legally valid under Section 5 of the Information Technology Act, 2000 – treated as “true certified copy of original record”
- Instant download from home – no need to visit talathi office or Seta Kendra
- Free view option available on https://bhulekh.mahabhumi.gov.in (for information only)
- For official use, pay ₹15 online and get digitally signed copy with QR code and 16-digit verification number
Speaking on the decision, Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule said, “This step ends the unnecessary harassment faced by farmers and citizens at the village level. There were constant complaints of delays, middlemen, and malpractices while obtaining 7/12 extracts. Now, a transparent, fast, and legally valid extract will be available to every citizen sitting at home for just ₹15.”
How It Benefits the Common Man and Farmers:
- Saves ₹200–₹500 and multiple visits that were earlier spent on talathi/Setu Kendra bribes and travel
- Ends tout culture and corruption at village level
- Banks will now accept ₹15 digital extract for crop loans, Kisan Credit Card, gold loans, and mudra loans
- Courts, registration offices, and all government departments must accept it without question
- Instant availability 24×7 – no more waiting for talathi’s “mood” or holidays
- Women, senior citizens, and differently-abled persons no longer need to travel to talathi office
- Transparent system – every extract can be verified online using QR code
The service is already live across Maharashtra. Citizens can visit https://bhulekh.mahabhumi.gov.in, select their district-taluka-village, enter survey number/captcha, pay ₹15 through net banking/UPI, and download the legally valid digitally signed 7/12 within seconds.
This is being seen as one of the biggest pro-farmer digital reforms in Maharashtra after the launch of Mahabhumi portal itself.
Also Read: MMR Records Highest Land Transactions in 2024: Over 607 Acres Acquired in 30 Deals
