, Minister for Revenue and Land Reforms, Government of Bihar, has emerged as one of the key drivers of administrative reform in the state. A five-time elected BJP legislator, he currently helms one of the most technically demanding and politically sensitive portfolios in Bihar—land and revenue.

Under his stewardship, the department has not only accelerated the digitisation of land records but also introduced structural reforms aimed at reducing disputes, empowering rural landholders, and bringing greater transparency to governance.

In this wide-ranging interview with , Editor, ETGovernment, Minister Saraogi discusses the rollout of the Revenue Grievance Redressal System, the rationale behind extending the land survey deadline, and the strategic importance of initiatives such as the newly launched water body atlas.

He shares insights from his field reviews in Muzaffarpur and Champaran, assesses the evolving expectations of the electorate, and outlines the NDA’s core narrative as Bihar approaches the 2025 Assembly elections. From administrative modernisation to coalition dynamics, this conversation offers a look at governance, reform, and political strategy in Bihar.

The introduction of the Revenue Grievance Redressal System marks a major step towards responsive governance. Earlier, citizens—especially in rural and remote areas—had to make repeated visits to tehsil offices and face long delays in getting land-related issues resolved. Now, they can file complaints online, receive acknowledgments, and track the status in real time. This transparency has improved accountability within the department. We are also monitoring the speed and quality of resolutions through a dashboard to ensure no complaint is left unattended. It's part of our larger mission to bring governance closer to the people and eliminate rent-seeking behaviour in land administration.

The Danapur helpline centre is an important outreach tool, particularly for citizens who may not be digitally literate or lack access to internet facilities. Through the toll-free number 1800‑345‑6215, people can now inquire about land surveys, mutation processes, parcha distribution, and other services. It helps us reach the underserved and eliminate the information gap that often breeds corruption. We’ve also linked this helpline with our CSC partners so that trained local agents can guide villagers in person when needed. This initiative is not just about convenience—it is about building trust between the government and the citizens.

The decision to extend the land survey deadline wasn’t taken lightly. We realised that the earlier deadline was creating pressure on both survey teams and citizens. Our objective is not just speed but accuracy. Many people needed more time to submit self-declaration forms, especially in areas with dense landholding patterns or poor documentation. By extending the deadline to December 2026, we’ve allowed for better citizen participation, verification of claims, and correction of historical errors. This will ultimately produce a robust, tamper-proof database of land ownership that will benefit generations to come.

You’re right—land disputes are often at the heart of rural tensions and legal overload in Bihar. To address this, we have institutionalised strict timelines for mutation cases: 35 days for standard applications and 75 days for disputed ones. If any revenue official delays beyond this period without justification, they are liable for action. We are also digitising mutation records and integrating them with our online systems so that tracking and auditing become easier. Through better coordination between circle officers, block-level staff, and our IT systems, we aim to significantly reduce both delays and disputes.

We’ve consciously tried to shift from a documentation-heavy process to a trust-based, digitally assisted system. Now, instead of furnishing every historical document, landowners can submit a self-attested genealogy chart or make a declaration backed by downloadable government records. This reform eases the process for the elderly, the marginalised, and those who’ve inherited property without formal paperwork. At the same time, we’ve introduced backend verification mechanisms to guard against misuse. It’s about balancing citizen convenience with administrative integrity.

The atlas of water bodies is one of the most forward-looking initiatives we’ve undertaken. It maps lakes, rivers, ponds, and other wetland ecosystems across all districts using satellite imagery and administrative data. This will help in planning infrastructure projects, conserving water bodies, managing floods, and even framing agricultural policy. For instance, knowing the exact status and boundaries of a pond can help us reclaim encroached land, design irrigation plans, or launch eco-tourism projects. It’s not just a document—it’s a governance tool for the future.

Our district reviews revealed that while the policy framework is strong, the pace of implementation varies. In places like Muzaffarpur and West Champaran, we saw a backlog in mutation applications and uneven progress in the Basgit Parcha distribution. We also noticed a lack of awareness among citizens about digital grievance systems and survey updates. In response, we’ve increased field inspections, issued performance benchmarks for revenue officials, and launched targeted awareness drives. Governance, in my view, is as much about policy as it is about relentless follow-up and feedback loops.

Bihar’s political culture has matured. Earlier, elections were dominated by identity politics. Today, voters—especially the youth—are asking sharp questions about employment, governance delivery, infrastructure, and law and order. As a public representative, I can sense this shift. People want to know what you’ve done, not just who you are. This shift has made us, as policymakers, more accountable and outcome-focused. That’s a healthy development for democracy.

The NDA will go to the people with the message of good governance, development, and inclusive progress. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Centre and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar in the state, the development trajectory of all of India has accelerated. Bihar has been a part of this developmental journey. Whether it’s roads, electrification, toilets, or digital services—there’s tangible change. The NDA will highlight this record, contrast it with past regimes, and seek a mandate based on delivery and vision.

Some political analysts are suggesting that the BJP should stop playing second fiddle to the JDU. How do you see the relationship between the BJP and the JDU?
We are going into the election as NDA, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in the Centre and Chief Minister Shri Nitish Kumar in the State. The NDA is going to present a united and winning front in the upcoming elections. The alliance is built on shared governance experience and mutual respect. Both parties have seen the benefits of working together—be it on infrastructure, law and order, or social welfare. We’ve had our differences in the past, but we’ve also demonstrated the ability to course-correct and re-align for the larger good.