In a first-of-its-kind administrative move in Madhya Pradesh, the Guna Municipal Council has assigned a Revenue Department Patwari to examine pending property mutation (Naamantaran) cases. The initiative has been taken to expedite the disposal of 629 pending mutation applications, most of which have remained stalled at the Chief Municipal Officer (CMO) level.

The order, issued by the Guna Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) on the directions of the District Collector, marks the first instance in the state where a Patwari has been entrusted with verifying mutation cases under a municipal body.

Officials believe the decision will help reduce the backlog and streamline the mutation process, which is crucial for updating property ownership records and facilitating property-related transactions.

Patwari Appointed for Physical Verification

Under the new arrangement, Saurabh Bansal, Patwari of Barkheda Gird in Guna Rural Tehsil, has been assigned the responsibility of conducting the physical verification of pending mutation cases for a period of one month.

The appointment has been made through an official order issued by the SDM. After the verification process is completed, the files are expected to move forward for administrative approval, allowing long-pending cases to be resolved more quickly.

The initiative has been launched following instructions from the District Collector as part of efforts to improve administrative efficiency within the municipal system.

629 Mutation Cases Await Disposal

According to official records, the Guna Municipal Council currently has 629 pending mutation cases.

Officials said none of these files are pending at the level of the Municipal Council Chairperson. Instead, all the cases are awaiting approval at the Chief Municipal Officer (CMO) level.

The majority of the backlog accumulated during 2025 and 2026, with 260 cases pending from 2025 and 255 cases from 2026. During this period, the CMO's responsibilities were reportedly being handled by a Deputy Collector serving as the in-charge officer.

The large number of pending applications has delayed ownership transfers for property holders, affecting various administrative and legal processes.

Municipal Revenue System Explained

Property mutation in municipal areas is governed by the Madhya Pradesh Municipalities Act, 1961.

Under the existing system, municipal revenue officials, including Revenue Inspectors, examine mutation applications before forwarding them for approval. Once verified, the files are sent to the CMO and subsequently to the Municipal Chairperson for final approval. The mutation process is completed only after all required signatures are obtained.

The latest arrangement introduces an additional verification stage by involving a Revenue Department Patwari before the files proceed further.

Administrative Concerns Over New Arrangement

While the move is expected to accelerate the disposal of pending cases, it has also raised administrative questions regarding the chain of authority.

Traditionally, Revenue Inspectors within municipal bodies are senior to Patwaris in matters related to revenue administration. Under the new arrangement, however, a Patwari will verify cases after they have already been processed by the Municipal Revenue Inspector.

Officials believe this overlapping responsibility could create coordination challenges between the two departments. However, the administration maintains that the temporary arrangement has been introduced solely to clear the backlog and improve public service delivery.

The success of the initiative could serve as a model for other municipal bodies across Madhya Pradesh if it effectively reduces delays in property mutation cases.