The Patwari system is an essential system of Pakistan’s land revenue and governance administration. As a role that has been practiced for several years, the day-to-day tasks of a Patwari have changed a lot especially due to; the development of information technology and changes in land management laws. The subsequent subsections of this article present the complete list of tasks assigned to the Patwari, an overview of the relevance of the system in its contemporary operation, and advances toward the actualization of changes in the system.
Table of Contents
Who is a Patwari?
A Patwari is a government employee who deals with the land and records of revenue at the village level. They perform duties in a way that facilitates the communication between the local land owners and government through proper documentation of concessionaires, collection of revenues, and solving of land-related issues. Although it is as old as its formative years the Patwari system still provides great service to the rural administration in Pakistan.
Contribution of the Patwari System in Present Political Era
The Patwari system plays a crucial role in:
- Land ownership documentation: Adherence to good record keeping practices with a view of eliminating disagreements.
- Revenue collection: The administration of the government by collecting their revenue in form of land.
- Governance: Advising the enactment of laws on land and property.
- Local development: Prescribing data for planning and development objectives and interventions in the rural areas.
The system provides for legal frameworks concerning property ownership and transfer for the rural land owners hence makes the system pertinent for governance.
Patwari Duties List
The following are the core responsibilities of a Patwari:
1. Maintenance of Land Records
Patwaris are encouraged to keep proper records of themselves in order to update the records of ownership to land in their respective jurisdictions. These records include:
- Land titles
- Ownership details
- Rules and segregation of plots
2. Land Revenue Collection
The Patwari also helps in the collection of the land revenue it is one of the vital revenues of the government. They oversee that those own property and those involved in farming pay their fees as required by the laws and statues.
4. Measuring Land
When there are misunderstandings or even new registrations the Patwari has to take measurements of the area of the particular land parcel to determine a boundary. This task involves delicate computation in order to avoid producing outcomes that can create a conflict.
5. Facilitating Solution to Land Disputes
Finally, it is the role of the Patwari to be involved in the settlement of land disputes by affording necessary record and producing evidence. Their role is crucial in reducing the possibility of developing misunderstandings between the owners of the land.
6. Preparation of Village Maps (Shajra)
The Patwari also maintains and updates a Shajra, a map of the village showing some plots and their boundaries. Hence the need for this document in land planning and governance.
7. Natural Calamities and Crop Damage Reporting
Patwaris inform the government any losses that are occurred in crops or any outbreaks of natural disasters in order to facilitate that poor farmers are provided aid or rehabilitation.
8. Record Updating After Harvest
The Patwari maintains crop records by recording productivity of crops at the end of every crop season which is done by Khasra Girdawari. These records assist in calculation of land productivity and thereby revenues.
9. Local development projects
They also offer land information and GIS products that may help in establishment of infrastructure development projects which include roads, schools and health facilities among others.
10. Digitization of Land Records
In view of, advances in technology, many Patwaris also help in the computerization of records of land. As a result, more information about the landowners is made available in a clear manner.
Challenges Faced by Patwaris
Despite their importance, Patwaris often face challenges such as:
- Workload: Moreover, efficient approaches for managing large extents with constrained resources.
- Corruption allegations: The manual system is generally known to have been abused in the past which gave way to instructions for better openness.
- Resistance to modernization: A few of the Patwaris can face challenges when it comes to changes in new systems which are currently digitized.
- Legal complexities: It is hard work managing disagreements and satisfying the rules set by the law.
About Recent reforms and Digitalization
1. Computerized Land Records
In Pakistan another significant change has taken place as Punjab and Sindh provinces have started computerized procedures of the land record. These systems aim to:
2. By maintaining the records at state and district level the Land Record Management Information System (LRMIS) plays a major role in pooling and updating records.
LRMIS is a program run by the Punjab government to computerize rights and records of land that are available with the department for public viewing and use by the owners of the lands.
3. E-Governance in Rural Areas
Now, Patwaris render better e-governance service by updating the records in soft copies and training in the use of software pertaining to the land records.
Future of the Patwari System
Thus, with the continued advancement in the digitalization of land records it is anticipated that the Patwari system will be redefined. Key future developments include:
- Automation of revenue collection: Minimizing human related mistakes and corrupt practices.
- Training programs: Preparing the Patwaris for improved technical competency in view of the contemporary nature of governance.
- Integration with satellite data: With accurate software tools to estimate the land area as well as keep track of all the records.
Conclusion
The list of Patwari duties indicates the main functions of this system that has been functioning for hundreds of years in the territory of present-day Pakistan. Patwaris are also involved in numerous essential tasks that are important for rural development ranging from record keeping to dispute solving. In a nutshell, focused recent reforms such as digitization assure the Patwari system sustaining the need of the modern age governance.
This paper aims to enhance the awareness of general public about the role and functions of Patwaris in all land affairs so that they may easily understand this system and its importance in Pakistan especially in agricultural and rural area.
FAQs:
1. What does a Patwari do in the management of land?
A Patwari is an official who oversees record of rights, assessments, measurement of land and helps in collection of land records. These organizations provide a significant role as far as managing conflicts and preparing relevant statistics for governing the country’s rural areas and development.
2. In what way does a Patwari help in the process of land transfer?
A Patwari helps in transferring the land ownership by confirming proprietor documents, surveying the boundaries of the land and then registering the modification in registers of the concerned office. This process is called Intiqal, which check legal compliance.
3. Today, how many problems do Patwari’s encounter?
Some of the issues that Patwaris encounter include, high workload, corruption accusations, resistance to change to digital environments, cumbersome in complex legal matters. Some of these problems are tackled by reforms such as the digitized records.
4. Again, what transformation has digitization brought to the Patwari system?
The use of technology in record-keeping systems has improved and eliminated the problems of corruption in the management of the records. Nowadays land record systems like LRMIS in Punjab have ensured that people get land records over the Internet thus making it easier.
5. What makes the Patwari system still operational in today’s governance?
The Patwari system provides efficiency in land records, helps in the collection of revenue, deals with disputes, and furnishes data pertinent to rural development. Hence, enrolled their importance despite innovative technological advancements for on-ground governing in the rural settings of Pakistan.