Report on the Preparation of New Nistar Patraks in Buldhana District

Introduction Nistar Patrak is a comprehensive record prepared under the provisions of the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code, 1966, to ensure the accessibility of public resources and spaces by the common people. This document outlines the rights of villagers to access public areas such as grazing lands, water resources, and forests, free from monopolies or encroachments. The preparation of Nistar Patrak across all villages and talukas in Buldhana District, which comprises 1,420 villages, represents a significant initiative to uphold public welfare and ensure equitable resource distribution. The initiative has been taken under the leadership of the Collector of Buldhana, Dr. Kiran Patil, who launched a special dedicated program to prepare new Nistar Patrak for every village in the district. Dr. Patil took regular follow-ups with concerned Tahsildars and SDMs and provided timely guidance to ensure the program's success.

Ø Taluka-wise Report on Nistar Patrak Preparation

Ø Significance of Nistar Patrak

1. Ensuring Access to Common Resources

• Nistar Patrak formalizes the rights of villagers to access resources such as grazing lands, forests, water bodies, and pathways.
• It prevents exploitation or monopolization of these resources by influential individuals or entities, thus promoting social equity.

2. Transparency and Accountability

• The preparation of Nistar Patrak enhances transparency by clearly delineating public spaces and resources.
• It provides a legal framework for resolving disputes over access or usage, ensuring that no group or individual can claim exclusive rights.

3. Promotion of Agricultural and Rural Development

• Farmers rely heavily on access to water bodies, grazing lands, and other resources for their livelihood. Nistar Patrak ensures these resources remain accessible to all.
• It supports sustainable agricultural practices by preventing overexploitation of common lands.

4. Community Empowerment

• Villagers are made aware of their rights, enabling them to assert their claims over public resources.
• The collective involvement in maintaining public areas fosters a sense of community ownership and responsibility.

5. Environmental Conservation

• By clearly demarcating forest and grazing lands, the Nistar Patrak aids in preventing deforestation and encroachments.
• It encourages the sustainable use of natural resources, contributing to ecological balance.

Importance from Villagers' Perspective

1. Livelihood Support

• Easy access to grazing lands and water resources directly supports the livelihood of farmers and livestock owners.
• Villagers no longer face barriers in utilizing these resources, enhancing agricultural productivity and rural income.

2. Conflict Resolution

• Nistar Patrak reduces disputes among villagers by clearly defining the rights and boundaries of public resources.
• It establishes a common understanding, fostering peace and harmony within the community.

3. Empowerment through Awareness

• Awareness campaigns have educated villagers about their rights, enabling them to make informed decisions regarding resource usage.
• This empowerment strengthens their voice in local governance and decision-making processes.

4. Time and Effort Savings

• With clear records, villagers no longer need to visit multiple offices to resolve disputes or clarify rights, saving time and effort.
• The streamlined access to resources reduces delays in agricultural and daily activities.

5. Improved Quality of Life

• The availability of public resources without hindrance contributes to a better quality of life for all community members, especially marginalized groups.

Legal Aspects of Nistar Patrak

1. Maharashtra Land Revenue Code, 1966

• Section 161 of the Code mandates the preparation and maintenance of Nistar Patrak to regulate the use of lands designated for community purposes such as grazing, water sources, and other village needs.
• The rules framed under this section detail the responsibilities of revenue officers in preparing and updating the Nistar Patrak, ensuring that public lands are utilized as per their designated purposes.

2. Protection Against Encroachments

• Nistar Patrak serves as a legal document to prevent unauthorized occupation or encroachment on public lands.
• It provides a basis for legal action against violators under the provisions of the Code.

3. Dispute Resolution

• In case of disputes regarding the use of public resources, the Nistar Patrak serves as primary evidence in legal proceedings.
• It facilitates swift resolution by providing clear records of entitlements and usage rights.

4. Judicial Precedents

• Several judgments by courts in Maharashtra have upheld the importance of Nistar Patrak in safeguarding the rights of the community over common resources.
• These legal precedents reinforce its significance as a tool for social justice.

Implementation in Buldhana District

1. Comprehensive Coverage

• The Nistar Patrak has been prepared for all 1,486 villages in all talukas of Buldhana District, ensuring no community is left out.
• Special attention has been given to resolving existing disputes and preventing potential conflicts.

2. Awareness Campaigns

• Awareness programs have been conducted to educate villagers about their rights and the significance of Nistar Patrak.
• Gram Sabha meetings were organized to involve the community in the preparation process.

3. Coordination with Authorities

• The preparation of Nistar Patrak involved close coordination with local revenue officers, the forest department, and other relevant authorities.
• This collaborative approach ensured accuracy and comprehensive coverage.

Impact Assessment

1. Social Impact

• Villagers report increased awareness of their rights and a reduction in conflicts over public resource usage.
• Marginalized groups, including small farmers and landless laborers, have particularly benefited from this initiative.

2. Economic Impact

• Easier access to grazing lands and water resources has boosted agricultural productivity and livestock rearing.
• Reduced conflicts have led to a more harmonious and productive rural economy.

3. Environmental Impact

• Clear demarcation of forest and grazing lands has reduced instances of deforestation and encroachments.
• Sustainable usage practices have been promoted, contributing to environmental conservation.

The preparation of Nistar Patrak in Buldhana District marks a significant step towards ensuring equitable access to public resources, promoting rural development, and safeguarding environmental sustainability. By addressing both social and legal aspects, this initiative sets a precedent for other districts in Maharashtra. Under the dedicated leadership of Collector Dr. Kiran Patil, who regularly guided and monitored the process, this program has been successfully implemented. This initiative has brought about transparency, resolved conflicts, and provided a strong legal framework for managing public resources. With continued efforts to update and enforce NistarPatrak, the district can serve as a model for other regions in Maharashtra and beyond.

                                                                          Sample copy of Actual prepared Nistarpatrak