Maharashtra Land Records Now Legally Downloadable: How to Obtain Digital 7/12 Extracts
The Maharashtra government has taken a significant step towards digital transformation by making land records fully legal and accessible online. Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule announced that digital land records are now downloadable and legally valid in all government offices. This reform aims to reduce bureaucracy, eliminate corruption, and provide landowners with convenient access to their property documents.
According to the recent regulation from the tax department, landowners can now obtain digitally signed copies of crucial land documents such as 7/12 property cards, 8-A extracts (khata), mutation certificates, and property cards through the official Bhulekh Mahabhumi website (mahabhumi.gov.in). Each digital copy is protected with an authorised digital signature, a scannable QR code, and a distinct 16-digit verification number, significantly lowering the possibility of tampering or falsification.
Minister Bawankule emphasized that this change eliminates the long-standing necessity of a ‘talathi's’ (village-level tax officer) physical signature or stamp, which often led to delays, bureaucracy, and corruption. All government agencies, banks, courts, registration offices, and other official authorities will now accept these digitally signed documents as fully legal.
Bawankule termed the decision 'historic,' highlighting that it would put an end to decades of harassment and long queues at government offices for landowners and farmers. He stated, “The historic decision to legally validate Digital 7/12, 8-A, and Mutation extracts has been taken by the Maharashtra Government under the guidance of Chief Minister Honourable @Dev_Fadnavis Ji. This is another major step towards Digital Maharashtra, demonstrating our commitment to transparency, speed, and ease of business.”
To check and obtain your digital land records, follow these simple steps:
1. Visit the Mahabhumi website: mahabhumi.gov.in. 2. Select the option for 7/12 extract, 8-A extract, property card, or mutation certificate, depending on the record you need. 3. Pay the nominal fee of ₹15 to proceed. 4. Download the certified PDF, which will include a digital signature, a QR code, and a unique 16-digit verification number for authenticity. 5. Use the downloaded document wherever required, such as government offices, banks, courts, and registration counters, as it now has universal legal acceptance.
Officials believe that this reform will significantly reduce the number of people visiting ‘talathi’ and ‘tehsil’ offices, improve the quality of property records, and lessen the likelihood of conflicts resulting from fake or out-of-date paperwork. This initiative is expected to streamline property management and enhance the overall efficiency of land-related transactions in the state of Maharashtra.
