Rural Administration

A Quarrel in the Village:

 Mohan's Background:
 Mohan is a farmer.
 His family owns a small agricultural field that they have been farming for many years.
 The field is adjacent to Raghu's land, separated by a small boundary called a bund.
 Observation and Conflict:
 One morning, Mohan noticed that Raghu had shifted the bund by a few feet.
 This shift increased the size of Raghu's field and reduced the size of Mohan's land.
 Mohan felt angry and frightened as Raghu's family owned many fields, and Raghu's uncle was the
Sarpanch (village head).
 Confrontation:
 Despite his fear, Mohan gathered courage and went to Raghu's house to confront him.
 A heated argument ensued between Mohan and Raghu.
 Raghu refused to accept that he had moved the bund and called one of his helpers.
 The argument escalated, and Raghu, along with his helper, began shouting at and beating Mohan.
 Intervention by Neighbours:
 Neighbours heard the commotion and rushed to the spot where Mohan was being beaten up.
 They intervened and took Mohan away from the scene.
 Mohan was badly hurt, with injuries to his head and hand.
 Aftermath:
 Mohan received first aid from one of his neighbours.
 A friend who ran the village post-office suggested filing a report at the local police station.
 There was hesitation among the villagers; some feared it would be a waste of time and money.
 Others suspected that Raghu's family might have already contacted the police.
 Decision to Approach the Police:
 After much discussion, it was decided that Mohan would go to the police station.
 Some neighbours who witnessed the incident agreed to accompany him to file the report.

Area of the Police Station:

 Discussion on Police Station Choice:
 On the way to the police station, one of the neighbours suggested going to the main police station
in the town by spending some more money.
 Mohan explained that the issue was not about money; they had to register the case at the local
police station because their village falls under its jurisdiction.
 Understanding Police Jurisdiction:
 Mohan clarified that every police station has a specific area under its control.
 People residing in that area can report cases or inform the police about incidents such as theft,
accidents, injuries, or fights.
 It is the responsibility of the police station to enquire, investigate, and take appropriate action on
the cases reported within its area of jurisdiction.

The work at the Police Station:

 Arrival at the Police Station:
 Upon reaching the police station, Mohan approached the Station House Officer (S.H.O.) and
narrated the incident.
 Mohan expressed his desire to file a written complaint.
 Initial Response from the S.H.O.:
 The S.H.O. rudely dismissed Mohan, stating that he couldn't waste time on minor complaints.
  Despite Mohan showing his injuries, the S.H.O. did not believe him and refused to take the
complaint seriously.
 Mohan's Confusion and Neighbours' Support:
 Mohan was puzzled and unsure why his complaint was not being recorded.
 He sought help from his neighbours, who entered the office and strongly argued on Mohan's
behalf.
 They emphasized that Mohan had been beaten up in front of them, and without their intervention,
he could have been seriously injured.
 Filing the Complaint:
 After the neighbours' insistence, the S.H.O. finally agreed to register the case.
 He asked Mohan to write down his complaint.
 The officer also informed them that he would send a constable the next day to investigate the
incident.
Rural Administration Overview
 Need for Administration: Rural areas or villages, like cities, require proper administration to
manage the community's needs and resolve conflicts.
 Handling Conflicts:
o Gram Panchayat: Local conflicts and issues are often managed by the Gram Panchayat,
which is the governing body at the village level.
o Other Services: For larger disputes or conflicts beyond the scope of the Gram Panchayat,
other administrative services, such as police stations, are involved.
Role of the Police Station
 Assigned Area: Each police station is responsible for maintaining peace, law, and order within a
specific area that falls under its jurisdiction.
 Responsibilities:
o Filing Reports: Residents can approach the police station to report incidents like theft,
accidents, or disputes.
o Investigation: The police are tasked with verifying the facts presented in the reports,
including verifying any documents or witnesses related to the sale of the land, conducting
investigations, and determining the appropriate actions to take.
o The constable's investigation will determine the truth and provide the basis for legal action.
 Ensuring Justice:
o Based on the findings, the police will take appropriate steps to ensure that justice is served.
If Complainant’s claim is found to be false, the police will work to restore the land to the
other person to whom it belongs as per land record.

Importance of Police in Rural Administration

 The police play a crucial role in ensuring that disputes and conflicts in rural areas are addressed in
a lawful manner, helping to maintain order and safety in the community.

Overview of the Police Structure and Responsibilities

 Primary Duty:
 The main duty of the police is to maintain law and order in the state. They are responsible for
solving crimes, preventing criminal activities, and settling disputes.
 Police Force Structure in a State:
 Commissioner of Police or Director General of Police (DGP):
o The highest-ranking officer and head of the police force in a state.
 Superintendent of Police (SP):
o The head of police administration at the district level.
o Works with a team including
  Deputy Superintendents (DSP),
 Inspectors,
 Sub-Inspectors,
 Assistant Sub-Inspectors,
 Head Constables, and
 Constables.
 Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP):
o Manages sub-divisions or circles within a district.
o Each circle has approximately ten police stations (thanas) under its control.
 Station House Officer (SHO):
o In charge of a thana (police station).
o Responsible for maintaining law and order within the specific area that the thana covers.
o All cases related to crimes or disputes in that area must be reported to the local police
station (thana).
3. Case Registration and Investigation:
 Any incident, such as theft or a dispute, must be reported and registered at the relevant police
station.
 Once a case is registered, police officers, including constables, are sent to investigate the matter.
4. Jails and Correctional Facilities:
 Jails are present in each district and serve multiple purposes:
o Housing criminals and under-trials (those awaiting trial).
o Acting as correctional homes where criminals are given opportunities to reform and
reintegrate into society as responsible citizens.
o The officer in charge of a jail is known as the Jailer.
5. Role of Chowkidars in Villages:
 Chowkidars are responsible for assisting in maintaining law and order in rural areas.
 They keep a check on criminal activities in villages and report to the police, helping them in their
duties.

Maintenance of Land Records:

 Peaceful Resolution of Land Disputes:
 Instead of arguing, Mohan and Raghu could have resolved their dispute peacefully by referring to
official land records.
 These records clearly show who owns what land in the village, and they could have been consulted
to determine if the boundary had been shifted.
 Land Measurement and Verification:
 The Patwari typically uses tools like a long chain to measure agricultural fields.
 In the case of Mohan and Raghu, the Patwari would measure their fields and compare them with
the official map.
 If the measurements did not match the records, it would be clear that the boundary had been
altered.
 Supervision and Higher Authorities:
 Each district in India is divided into sub-divisions for managing land-related matters, known as
tehsils, talukas, etc.
 The District Collector heads these divisions, with revenue officers, or tehsildars, working under
them.
 Tehsildars supervise the Patwaris, ensure proper record-keeping, and handle the collection of land
revenue.
 They also resolve land disputes and ensure that farmers and other villagers can easily access
important documents, like land records and caste certificates.
 Tehsildar’s Office:
 The Tehsildar’s office is the place where land disputes, such as the one between Mohan and Raghu,
are heard and resolved.
 It ensures that justice is served based on accurate and up-to-date records.

Government Bodies for Land Management:

 These government bodies play a critical role in managing land-related matters in rural areas, ensuring
that land records are properly maintained, disputes are resolved, and revenue is collected efficiently.
 The structure starts from the
o Patwari at the village-group level, moves up to the
o Tehsildar at the Tehsil level, and culminates with
o the District Collector at the district level, each with specific responsibilities to ensure
effective land management.

1. District Level:
o District Collector:
 A senior government official responsible for the overall administration and revenue
collection within a district.
 Oversees land management activities and ensures that revenue is collected
efficiently from all landowners.
2. Tehsil Level:
o Tehsildar:
 A revenue officer in charge of a Tehsil or Taluka, which is a sub-division of a
district.
 Responsible for hearing and resolving land disputes within the Tehsil.
 Supervises the work of Patwaris in villages to ensure that land records are
accurately maintained and that land revenue is collected in a timely manner.
 Facilitates the collection and distribution of copies of land records and other related
documents to villagers.
3. Village-Group Level:
o Patwari:
 A government official responsible for maintaining land records in a group of
villages.
 Ensures that land measurements and details are accurately recorded and updated
regularly.
  Acts as the primary point of contact for villagers regarding land-related matters,
including the issuance of land records and resolving minor disputes.

Patwari: Role and Functions

 Who is a Patwari?
 A Patwari is a government official responsible for managing land records in a group of villages.
This role may be known by different names in various regions of India, such as Lekhpal,
Kanungo, Karamchari, or Village Officer. In Tamil Nadu he is also known as KARNAM or
ADHIKARI.
 The Patwari's work is supervised by a Tehsildar, a higher-ranking revenue officer at the Tehsil
level.
 Functions of a Patwari:
1. Maintaining Land Records: The Patwari is responsible for holding and maintaining detailed
records of land ownership, including transactions and changes in ownership within the villages
under their jurisdiction.
2. Updating Records: It is the Patwari’s duty to ensure that all land records are regularly updated to
reflect any changes, such as the sale of land, division of property, or changes in land use.
3. Collecting Land Revenue: The Patwari collects land revenues from farmers, which is an
important source of income for the government. They ensure that all dues are collected in a timely
manner.
4. Monitoring Agricultural Activity: The Patwari keeps track of the types of crops grown in the
area, the quantity produced, and any changes in farming practices. This information is crucial for
the government to plan agricultural policies and provide assistance to farmers.
5. Tracking Infrastructure Development: They also monitor any new infrastructure developments
in the villages, such as the construction of wells, irrigation facilities, or roads, and report this
information to the government.
 Additional Responsibilities of the Patwari:
 The Patwari is also tasked with organizing the collection of land revenue from farmers.
 They provide information to the government about the crops grown in the area, and this data is
derived from the records they maintain.
 Regular updates to these records are crucial because changes such as new crops or the digging of
wells need to be accurately recorded.

Some Important Term:

Khasra: All details of lands inspection are maintained in a register called the khasra.
Jamabandi:
 Definition: Jamabandi refers to land records that document the rights of landowners in a
village.
 Content: Includes details like the name of the owners, area of cultivation, shares of
owners, and other related rights.
 Maintenance: Records are maintained for each village within its tehsil.
 Copies: Two copies of the Jamabandi are made:
One is kept in the government record room.
The other is maintained by the patwari (village official).
Where Land Records Required:
 A Farmer Wants to Buy a Plot of Land from Another:
 Necessity of Records: Yes, the buyer would need the land record and map.
 Reason: To verify the ownership, size, and boundaries of the land being purchased. This ensures
that the land being sold is legitimate and matches the seller’s claims.
 A Farmer Wants to Sell Her Produce to Another:
  Necessity of Records: No, the land record is not typically required.
 Reason: Selling produce does not involve land ownership or boundaries; therefore, land records
are not necessary for this transaction.
 A Farmer Wants a Loan from the Bank to Dig a Well in Her Land:
 Necessity of Records: Yes, the farmer would need the land record.
 Reason: The bank would require proof of land ownership as collateral for the loan. The record also
confirms that the land belongs to the farmer and is suitable for digging a well.
 A Farmer Wants to Purchase Fertilizers for His Field:
 Necessity of Records: No, the land record is not required.
 Reason: Purchasing fertilizers does not involve land ownership or disputes, so the land record is
not necessary for this purpose.
 A Farmer Wants to Divide His Property Among His Children:
 Necessity of Records: Yes, the farmer would need the land record.
 Reason: To accurately divide the property, the farmer would need the land records to ensure that
each portion is clearly defined and legally recognized. This prevents future disputes among the
heirs.

Answer Orally
1. What is the main duty of the police?
2. Who is the head of the police in the state?
3. Who controls the various sub-divisions or circles of the districts?
4. What is a thana?
5. Who is the in charge of a thana?
6. Who is a patwari? What is his duty?
7. Who is a District Collector?

A New Law: (Hindu Succession Amendment Act,2005)

1. Traditional View of Land Ownership:
 Traditionally, when thinking of land-owning farmers, men were typically the ones considered.
 Women were seen primarily as workers on the land, but not as landowners.
2. Previous Law:
 In some states, Hindu women did not receive a share of the family's agricultural land.
 After a father's death, the property was divided equally only among his sons, excluding
daughters and the wife.
3. Understanding Inheritance:
 Inheritance is the process of passing on property, money, or other possessions from one
generation to the next after someone's death.
 Traditionally, in many families, inheritance has been distributed among the sons, often
excluding daughters.
4. Traditional Practices:
 In many parts of India, daughters were not considered for an equal share in inherited property,
especially in agricultural land. The common belief was that since daughters would marry and
move to their husband's home, they should not be given a share in the family property.
 This practice often led to the unequal distribution of wealth and property, with daughters being
left out of inheritance altogether.

5. Hindu Succession Amendment Act, 2005: This law brought significant changes to the way property
is inherited in Hindu families.
Key Amendments:
  Equal Rights for Daughters: Daughters are now entitled to an equal share in the
family’s property, just like sons. This applies to ancestral and paternal agricultural
land as well.
 Inclusion of Mothers: Mothers, along with sons and daughters, are also entitled to an
equal share in the property.
6. Benefits of the New Law:
o The amendment benefits a large number of women by ensuring they have a rightful share in the
family property.
o For example, Sudha, the eldest daughter of an agricultural family, now has a legal right to a
share of her father's land.
7. Practical Application:
o After her father's death, Sudha’s mother asked the Patwari to update the land records to include
the names of all her children, ensuring equal shares.
o Sudha's mother now confidently manages the farm with the help of her younger children.
o Sudha, who lives in a neighbouring village, is assured that she can rely on her share of the land
if she ever faces any difficulties.
8. Empowerment and Security for Women:
o The new law empowers women by giving them legal ownership and security in their family's
agricultural land.
o Women can now participate in decisions regarding the land, and it provides them with financial
security and independence.

Impact of the Amendment:

 The amendment has empowered women across India by giving them legal rights to inherit
property, ensuring they are not dependent on others for their financial well-being.
 It promotes gender equality by recognizing the rights of daughters and mothers in the
inheritance process.

Other Public Services - A survey

Step 1: List Public Services in Your Village/Area
Identify and list the public services available in your village or nearby area. Some examples might include:
 Milk Society: A cooperative that supplies milk to the community.
 Fair Price Shop: A government-run shop that provides essential goods at subsidized prices.
 Bank: A financial institution that provides banking services.
 Police Station: The local police office responsible for maintaining law and order.
 Agricultural Society: An organization that provides seeds, fertilizers, and other agricultural inputs
to farmers.
 Post Office: A facility providing postal services, including mail delivery, savings accounts, and
money orders.
 Anganwadi/Crèche: A childcare center that provides early childhood education and nutrition
services.
 Government School: A school run by the government that provides education to children.
 Health Centre or Government Hospital: A medical facility that offers healthcare services.
Step 2: Collect Information on Three Public Services
Choose three public services from your list and gather detailed information about them. You can do this
by:
 Visiting the Facility: Go to the location and observe how it operates.
 Talking to People: Speak with the staff and users of the service to understand its functioning.
 Researching: Use any available resources to gather more information.
Step 3: Discuss Improvements
After collecting the information, discuss with your teacher or in a group how each service could be
improved. Here’s an example to guide you:
Example: Fair Price Shop
 Current Functioning: The fair price shop provides essential items like rice, wheat, sugar, and
kerosene at subsidized rates to the villagers. However, it sometimes faces issues like stock
shortages and delays in delivery.
 Possible Improvements:
1. Better Inventory Management: Implement a more efficient inventory system to avoid stock
shortages and ensure timely replenishment.
2. Transparency in Distribution: Display the stock levels and prices publicly so that villagers
are aware of what is available and at what price.
3. Grievance Redressal: Establish a clear and accessible mechanism for villagers to report
issues, such as unfair practices or lack of stock.
Step 4: Write a Report
Based on the information gathered and the discussion, write a report detailing your findings and suggested
improvements for the three selected public services. Share your report with your teacher or present it in
class for further discussion.

Answer Orally
1. Officer responsible for measuring land and maintaining land records.
2. The head of the police at the state level.
3. The Act which gives women equal rights to inherit property.
4. The head of the police at the thana level.
5. The officer in charge of a jail.
6. What do you mean by Khasara?
7. What is Jamabandi?
8. Define Inheritance?
9. What is the Hindu Succession Act, 2005?
10. List two things that the work of a Patwari includes.
11. What is the work of a tehsildar?
12. Who is in charge of all the police stations in a district? Find out.
13. In a dispute when a person files a report in the police station it is called?
14. The sub-divisions of a district are known by different names such ……………...