In today’s digital age, accessing land records has never been easier, and Meghalaya is leading the way with its user-friendly online portal. Whether you’re a property owner verifying ownership, a buyer conducting due diligence, or simply researching land details, the Meghalaya land records portal offers a convenient and transparent solution. This blog post will guide you through the simple steps to check Meghalaya land records online, saving you time and effort while ensuring you have access to critical property information at your fingertips.
Overview of Meghalaya Land Records
The Meghalaya Land Records system is managed by the Revenue and Disaster Management Department, but unlike many other Indian states, land in Meghalaya is largely governed by its unique tribal customary laws and community ownership, especially among the Khasi, Garo, and Jaintia tribes. Most land belongs to communities, clans, or individuals under customary tenure, and the government generally has limited direct control except over certain areas like urban land and government estates.
Land records in the state include details of ownership, usage, and revenue collection, but formal land titles are less common compared to other states due to the prevalence of traditional landholding systems. To modernize land governance, Meghalaya has been working on digitization under the Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP), aiming to bring transparency, better record management, and easier access for citizens while still respecting the customary landholding practices unique to the state.
Required Documents
To check Meghalaya land records offline through the Directorate of Land Records and Surveys (DLRS) or district revenue offices, you need to provide specific documents to facilitate the process. Since Meghalaya’s land records are not available online as of August 26, 2025, these documents are essential for accessing records at the DLRS or Deputy Commissioner’s (DC)/Sub-Divisional Officer’s (SDO) office. Below is a list of required documents:
- Proof of Identity
- A government-issued ID such as Aadhaar card, voter ID, passport, or driver’s license.
- This verifies your identity when submitting the request.
- Proof of Ownership
- Sale Deed: The legal document proving the purchase of the property.
- Mutation Certificate: Confirms the transfer of property ownership in revenue records.
- Land Tax Receipt: Recent receipt of land tax payment to show ownership or interest in the property.
- Patta or Jamabandi: If available, these documents confirm land ownership or tenancy rights.
- Property Details
- Details of the property, including:
- District, tehsil, and village where the property is located.
- Plot number or survey number (if known).
- Approximate land area or boundaries (if available).
- These details help officials locate the specific land record.
- Details of the property, including:
- Application Form
- A completed application form for accessing land records, available at the DLRS or revenue office.
- Include details like the purpose of the request (e.g., ownership verification, boundary details, or certified copies).
Step-by-Step Guide to Check Meghalaya Land Records
Current Status of Online Land Records in Meghalaya
Meghalaya’s land records are not available online due to unique land ownership structures and challenges in digitization. The land in Meghalaya is primarily owned by indigenous tribal communities, not the state government, which complicates the application of standardized land record systems. The state operates under the Meghalaya Land Survey and Records Preparation Act, 1980, and the last comprehensive land survey was conducted during the British era, except for some areas in the Garo Hills. While the state is working toward digitization under the National Land Records Modernization Programme (NLRMP), no official online portal for land records exists as of August 26, 2025. Therefore, land records must be accessed offline through the Directorate of Land Records and Surveys (DLRS).
Steps to Check Meghalaya Land Records Offline
Follow these steps to access land records offline in Meghalaya:
- Identify the Nearest DLRS Office
Visit the official website of the Meghalaya Revenue and Disaster Management Department (https://megrevenuedm.gov.in/) to locate the nearest DLRS office or district revenue office. The DLRS operates under the Revenue and Disaster Management Department and has offices in Shillong and other districts, as well as a revenue branch in six districts and one sub-division. - Gather Property Details
Prepare the necessary property details, including:- District, village, and plot location
- Survey number or Khasra number (if available)
- Ownership documents (e.g., sale deed, land tax receipt, or mutation certificate)
- Any other relevant documents, such as proof of identity or previous correspondence with revenue officials
- Visit the DLRS or Revenue Office
Go to the identified DLRS office or the revenue branch of the respective Deputy Commissioner’s (DC) or Sub-Divisional Officer’s (SDO) office. These offices are responsible for maintaining land records and providing Bhunaksha (land maps) or other land-related documents. - Submit a Written Request
Obtain the appropriate form from the DLRS or revenue office for requesting land record information. Fill out the form with accurate details, such as:- District, tehsil, and village
- Plot or survey number
- Owner’s name (as per legal documents)
Attach copies of ownership documents, such as the sale deed, mutation certificate, or land tax receipt, to support your request.
- Pay Applicable Fees
Pay any required fees for accessing the land records. The office will provide a receipt for the payment. Fees may vary depending on the type of document or information requested (e.g., Bhunaksha map or Record of Rights). - Receive Land Record Information
After processing your request, authorized officials will provide the requested land record details, which may include:- Ownership details
- Plot size and boundaries
- Mutation status
- Cadastral survey information (if available)
You may also request a certified copy of the records for legal purposes.
FAQs on Checking Meghalaya Land Records
- Can I check Meghalaya land records online?
No, as of August 26, 2025, Meghalaya has not fully digitized its land records, and there is no online portal available. You must visit the Directorate of Land Records and Surveys (DLRS) or district revenue offices to access land records offline. - Where can I access Meghalaya land records?
You can access land records at the DLRS office in Shillong or the revenue branch of the Deputy Commissioner’s (DC) or Sub-Divisional Officer’s (SDO) office in your district or sub-division. - What documents are required to check land records in Meghalaya?
You need:- Proof of identity (e.g., Aadhaar card, voter ID, passport).
- Proof of ownership (e.g., sale deed, mutation certificate, land tax receipt).
- Property details (district, village, plot/survey number).
- A completed application form from the DLRS or revenue office.
- Payment receipt for any applicable fees.
- Additional documents like inheritance certificates or power of attorney, if applicable.
- Why are Meghalaya land records not available online?
Meghalaya’s unique tribal land ownership system, where land is primarily owned by indigenous communities rather than the state, complicates digitization. Additionally, the last comprehensive land survey was during the British era, and digitization under the National Land Records Modernization Programme (NLRMP) is still in progress. - What types of land records can I access?
You can access:- Ownership details.
- Plot size and boundary information.
- Mutation status.
- Bhunaksha (land maps) or cadastral survey details, if available.
- Certified copies of the Record of Rights.
- How much does it cost to access land records?
Fees vary depending on the type of document requested (e.g., Bhunaksha map, certified copy). The exact amount is provided by the DLRS or revenue office when you submit your application. - How long does it take to obtain land records?
The processing time depends on the office’s workload and the accuracy of your submitted documents. Typically, it may take a few days to a week. Contact the office for specific timelines. - Who can I contact for assistance with land records?
You can contact the DLRS office in Shillong or district revenue offices. Key contacts include:- Director of Land Records and Surveys: 98560-25902, Office: 0364-2226579.
- Additional Director of Surveys: 94363-04282, Office: 0364-2226094.
- Assistant Director of Survey: 98630-95444.
- Assistant Director, Land Records: 96120-02864.
- Joint Director of Survey: 98564-50272.
- What should I do if I don’t have the plot or survey number?
Provide as much information as possible, such as the district, village, and owner’s name. The revenue office can help locate the record based on available details, though this may take longer. - Is there a plan to digitize Meghalaya land records?
Yes, Meghalaya is working toward digitization under the NLRMP, but no official online portal or timeline has been confirmed as of August 26, 2025. Check the Meghalaya Revenue and Disaster Management Department website (https://megrevenuedm.gov.in/) for updates. - Can I get certified copies of land records for legal purposes?
Yes, you can request certified copies of land records (e.g., Record of Rights or Bhunaksha) from the DLRS or revenue office by submitting the required documents and paying the applicable fee. - What if there is a dispute over land ownership?
For disputes, contact the Deputy Commissioner or Sub-Divisional Officer. You may need to provide additional documents, such as a succession certificate or court orders, and seek legal assistance if necessary. - Are land records different for tribal and non-tribal areas?
Yes, in tribal areas (e.g., Khasi, Garo, Jaintia regions), land is often communally owned by clans or communities, which may require additional documentation or approval from tribal authorities. Non-tribal areas may follow standard revenue procedures. - Can someone else check land records on my behalf?
Yes, but you must provide a power of attorney document authorizing the person to act on your behalf, along with their proof of identity. - What should I do if I face issues at the revenue office?
If you encounter delays or issues, escalate your query to the Deputy Commissioner, Sub-Divisional Officer, or Director of Land Records and Surveys. Ensure all documents are complete to avoid complications.