Himachal to modernizes revenue records

In a progressive move aimed at making revenue records more accessible to the public, the Himachal Pradesh government has begun a thorough revision of its century-old documents by eliminating outdated Mughal-era vocabulary. Terms like Tatima, Jamabandi, and Momi, which have been in use since the Mughal period, will soon be replaced with simpler and more understandable language. The initiative also extends to replacing complex Hindi words to further ease the accessibility of these records.

Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi has directed the Revenue Department to modernize the language in these records. In the meantime, Urdu and Persian experts are being stationed in various districts to help residents understand old terminologies that even experienced officials like Patwaris and Kanungos find challenging to interpret.

Many families in Himachal Pradesh hold land that has been passed down through generations, with records dating back to the Mughal era. The archaic language often causes confusion, especially when disputes arise over inherited property. Minister Negi has received numerous complaints from landowners about the difficulty in navigating these complex records, leading to the government’s decision to take action.

Regions such as Kangra, Kinnaur, Hamirpur, and Shimla—especially areas with royal history—are said to be facing the greatest challenges due to the use of these outdated terms. By simplifying the language, the government hopes to not only address public concerns but also streamline the work of revenue officials who handle these documents.

Minister Negi stated that while some Urdu words are still widely understood, those that are not will be phased out. Similarly, obscure Hindi words that complicate the understanding of the records will also be replaced. The department has been instructed to work closely with language experts to update and simplify the vocabulary.

This initiative is expected to make revenue records more transparent, reducing confusion, and speeding up the resolution of land disputes. It is also anticipated to make the process easier for landowners, providing greater clarity and ease of access to important property-related information.