Odisha Real Estate
Glossary

A legal contract between buyer and seller that outlines the terms and conditions of a property sale before the final Sale Deed is executed. Protects both parties during the interim period, especially when the buyer needs time to arrange financing.

Wasteland or uncultivated government land in Odisha's revenue records. Cannot be purchased directly by individuals — requires conversion or government allotment before use.

Facilities and features provided within a housing project such as clubhouse, swimming pool, gym, children's play area, landscaped gardens, and parking. Premium amenities significantly affect property pricing in Odisha.

The standard unit of land measurement in Odisha — 1 acre = 100 decimals = 43,560 square feet. Agricultural land in Odisha is almost always measured and priced per acre.

A government surveyor/revenue official in Odisha who physically visits land to measure, demarcate boundaries, and prepare field maps (Tippan). The Amin's report is the authoritative document for resolving boundary disputes.

A sub-division of a Tahasil in Odisha. Each Anchal is managed by an Anchalik Officer. Important administrative unit for land records and local development planning in rural Odisha.

The field register maintained by the Revenue Inspector in Odisha, recording details of each plot — owner, cultivator, crop, area, and revenue. Used to verify actual cultivation/possession during land purchase due diligence.

Elevated or raised land in Odisha revenue classification. Generally preferred for construction as it avoids waterlogging, which is critical in flood-prone districts like Balasore, Bhadrak, and coastal Odisha.

The statutory authority responsible for planned development, building approvals, and land use in Bhubaneswar and surrounding areas. All construction within BDA jurisdiction requires their NOC and plan approval.

Also: Circle Rate, Guidance Value

The minimum government-notified value of a property for a specific location, used to calculate stamp duty and registration charges. Also called Circle Rate. In Odisha, benchmark values are published by the Inspector General of Registration (IGR).

The official online portal (bhulekh.odisha.gov.in) for accessing digitized land records in Odisha. You can verify Patta details, RoR, Khata numbers, and plot maps before purchasing any property.

Bedroom, Hall, Kitchen — the standard Indian classification for apartment sizes. 1BHK (1 bedroom), 2BHK (2 bedrooms), 3BHK (3 bedrooms). In Odisha, 2BHK is the most common configuration in Tier-2 cities.

The total area including the carpet area plus the thickness of walls and balconies. Typically 10–15% more than carpet area. When a builder quotes price per sq ft, always clarify if it is carpet or built-up area.

A traditional land measurement unit used in Western and Northern Odisha (Sambalpur, Sundergarh, Keonjhar belt). 1 Bigha = approximately 1,333 square yards or 0.33 acres, but varies by region. Always confirm local equivalence before transacting.

A sub-unit of Bigha used in Western Odisha's revenue records. 1 Bigha = 20 Biswas. Commonly appears in old Patta documents in Sambalpur and Bolangir districts.

Orchard or garden land — land used for growing fruit trees, vegetables, or horticulture in Odisha revenue classification. Bagayat land commands higher revenue rates than plain agricultural land and needs conversion before residential construction.

Agricultural land used specifically for Bakhari (a Kharif crop) cultivation in Odisha. Classified as low-lying paddy land that retains water. Requires OLR 8-A conversion for non-agricultural use.

Sandy soil land near rivers and coastal areas of Odisha. Low agricultural productivity but increasingly sought-after in coastal districts for tourism and resort development. Check CRZ classification before purchasing near the coast.

The administrative head of a Block (Panchayat Samiti area) in Odisha, overseeing rural development, government schemes, and some land-related approvals. Relevant for land conversion and development approvals in semi-urban and rural areas.

The official government portal (bhunaksha.odisha.gov.in) providing online cadastral maps and plot boundaries for all lands in Odisha. Use it alongside Bhulekh to visually verify plot shape, area, and boundaries before purchase.

Odia term for the legal owner/record holder of land. The Bhumiswami's name appears in the Patta and revenue records. All transactions require the Bhumiswami's participation or a registered PoA.

The increase in a property's market value over time. In Odisha, industrial corridors like Jharsuguda, Angul, and Paradip have seen 15–25% annual appreciation due to large-scale industrial investments.

The net usable area inside a flat, measured wall to wall, excluding balconies, walls, and common areas. Under RERA, builders must disclose carpet area prominently. Always negotiate prices on carpet area, not super built-up area.

The statutory planning and development authority for Cuttack city. Responsible for building plan approvals, layout sanctioning, and urban development within Cuttack municipal limits.

Agricultural land held beyond the maximum limit allowed under the Odisha Land Reforms Act. Surplus ceiling land is acquired by the government and distributed to landless farmers. Such land cannot be sold privately.

Permission granted by the local authority (BDA, CDA, Municipality) to a builder to begin construction after building plan approval. Construction without a Commencement Certificate is illegal and may lead to demolition.

A document issued by the local authority certifying that a building has been constructed as per the approved plan and meets all safety standards. Required before applying for Occupancy Certificate.

A payment schedule where the buyer pays installments as construction milestones are achieved — foundation, slab, brickwork, etc. Preferred for under-construction projects as it links payment to actual progress.

Alluvial land formed by river sediment deposits in river beds and islands in Odisha. These temporary formations in rivers like Mahanadi, Brahmani, and Baitarani are government property and cannot be privately owned.

Low-lying marshy or seasonally waterlogged land in Odisha. Commonly found in delta districts (Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Puri). Cannot be built upon without significant filling and official approval.

The senior-most administrative officer of a district in Odisha, with powers over land acquisition, ceiling enforcement, tribal land protection, and revenue matters. Final authority for disputed land conversions and Khasmahal allotments.

Official government survey map showing exact plot boundaries, area, and Khesra numbers for all land parcels within a Mouza. Prepared by the Survey department. Available on Bhunaksha Odisha portal.

A restricted zone along the coastline of Odisha governed by the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification. Divided into CRZ-I (most restricted, near sea), CRZ-II (urban areas), CRZ-III (rural), and CRZ-IV (water areas). Construction near Puri, Gopalpur, and Chandipur requires CRZ clearance.

Also: Mutation

The Odia/Bengali term for Mutation — the process of updating land ownership records in government registers after a property sale, inheritance, or gift. Must be completed after every transfer of land ownership in Odisha.

A legal provision under MOFA that allows a housing society to obtain ownership of the land from the developer if the developer fails to execute the conveyance deed. Relevant for apartment buyers in Odisha.

Also: Satak, Dismil

The most commonly used unit for residential plots in Odisha — 1 decimal = 1/100th of an acre = 435.6 square feet. Urban plots in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack are typically priced per decimal.

Also: Decimal, Satak

Local Odisha pronunciation of 'Decimal'. Used interchangeably in land transactions across the state — especially in rural and semi-urban Odisha. 1 Dismil = 1 Decimal = 435.6 sq ft.

High, dry, and elevated land in Odisha's revenue classification — typically unirrigated upland used for dry crops. Danga land is generally safer from flooding and preferred for construction in rural areas.

Land classified as a pond or water body in Odisha revenue records. Building on Doha land requires water body conversion approval from the Revenue Department and is highly restricted. Check Kisama carefully before purchase.

Also: Khesra, Plot Number

Alternative term for Khesra or Plot Number used in some parts of Odisha (especially former princely state areas like Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar). Each Dag is a uniquely numbered land parcel in the cadastral map.

The physical marking of land boundaries by a government Amin using iron rods or pillars, based on the revenue map. Essential before finalising any land purchase to ensure the physical plot matches the Patta area and boundaries.

A covered verandah or sitting area in traditional Odia home architecture. Daalan typically faces the inner courtyard and is a defining feature of traditional Odisha houses. Mentioned in older property descriptions.

Odia word for a shop or commercial unit. 'Dokana Ghara' refers to ground-floor commercial premises in a building. Commonly used in property listings in smaller cities like Sambalpur, Berhampur, and Balasore.

The online process for applying and tracking mutation of land records in Odisha through the Revenue and Disaster Management portal. Reduces physical visits to tahasil offices and enables transparent tracking.

Fixed monthly payment made to a bank or NBFC to repay a home loan, comprising both principal and interest components. EMI is calculated based on loan amount, interest rate, and tenure.

A certificate from the Sub-Registrar's office listing all registered transactions on a property — loans, mortgages, sale deeds, and litigations — for a specified period. Essential due-diligence document before any land purchase in Odisha.

The ratio of total built-up area to the plot area, determining how much can be constructed on a given plot. In Bhubaneswar, FAR for residential zones typically ranges from 1.5 to 2.5, with higher FAR in commercial zones.

Indian law governing foreign exchange transactions, including NRI property purchases. NRIs and OCIs must comply with FEMA when buying, selling, or repatriating proceeds from Indian property.

A document issued by a bank certifying that money has been received from abroad. NRIs purchasing property in Odisha must obtain a FIRC to prove payment was made through official banking channels — required for repatriation of sale proceeds later.

A model where multiple investors co-own a high-value property and share rental income and capital gains proportionally to their investment. Common for commercial properties and premium resorts in Odisha offering 12–15% annual returns.

Property where the buyer owns both the building and the land outright, with full rights to sell, rent, or transfer. Most residential plots in Odisha are freehold. Contrast with Leasehold.

Homestead land in Odisha revenue classification — the most desirable land type for construction. If a plot's Kisama (land type) on the Patta shows Gharabari, you can build immediately without conversion.

A legal document transferring property ownership from one person to another as a gift, without monetary consideration. In Odisha, gift deeds between blood relatives attract lower stamp duty than outright sale.

Common grazing land recorded in Odisha revenue maps for community use by livestock. Cannot be purchased or built upon. Any construction on Gochar land is illegal and subject to demolition by the Revenue Department.

Also: Gunta

A land measurement unit equal to 1/40th of an acre (1,089 sq ft). Used in parts of Southern Odisha (Berhampur, Ganjam district). Also spelled 'Gunta'. 40 Gunthas = 1 Acre.

Also: Village Headman

The traditional village headman in Odisha who historically managed land records and revenue collection in tribal areas. The Gaontia system was part of zamindari-era land administration. Some Gaontia-managed land records in Western Odisha require special verification.

Land owned and managed by the Gram Panchayat for village common use — paths, ponds, community halls, and markets. Cannot be purchased by private individuals without government de-notification. Verify that a plot is not GP land before buying in rural Odisha.

A loan taken from a bank or housing finance company to purchase, construct, or renovate a property. In Odisha, home loans are available up to 80% of property value (LTV), with tenures up to 30 years.

A revenue circle managed by a Revenue Inspector (RI) in Odisha — each Halka covers several villages. The RI's Halka determines who is the primary official for land record queries in that area.

The landward limit of the high tide in Odisha's coastal areas, measured during spring tides. The CRZ zone is measured from the HTL. No permanent construction is allowed within 50 metres of the HTL in CRZ-III areas.

The government agency that develops and allocates industrial plots, sheds, and land in Odisha's industrial estates. IDCO plots are available in major industrial areas like Kalinganagar, Jharsuguda, and Paradip.

The authority overseeing all property registrations in Odisha. The IGR portal (igrodisha.gov.in) provides benchmark valuations, registered document details, and stamp duty calculators.

A document from the Sub-Registrar's office providing details of all registered transactions on a property for a given period. Similar to an Encumbrance Certificate, used for title verification.

The Odia word for land or property. Commonly used in colloquial and official contexts in Odisha when referring to agricultural or residential plots.

A contract between a landowner and a developer where the landowner contributes land and the developer constructs, with profits or units shared per agreed ratio. Common in Bhubaneswar's peripheral areas where farmers partner with developers.

Forest/hill land in Odisha revenue records — often found in tribal districts (Koraput, Keonjhar, Sundargarh). Such land is under Forest Department or Revenue Department control. Purchase and development are highly restricted.

The annual revenue register in Odisha that records each landowner's Khata details, land area, type, and revenue payable. The Jamabandi is prepared by the RI and is the basis for issuing Patta and computing land revenue.

Also: Sale Deed

The Odia term for Sale Deed — literally 'land sale proof document'. The primary registered document transferring land ownership from seller to buyer. Referred to colloquially as 'Bikri Dastabej' in rural Odisha.

An account number in Odisha's land revenue records identifying a group of plots under one owner or family. Each Khata can contain multiple Khesras (plot numbers). The Khata number is essential for mutation and registration.

The unique survey number assigned to each individual land parcel in Odisha's revenue records. The Khesra number is the most granular identifier for a plot — always verify it matches the Patta before purchase.

Government-owned land in Odisha that is not under forest or any other specific department — managed directly by the Revenue Department. Can sometimes be leased to individuals or organisations by the Collector.

The land-use classification on the Patta document in Odisha. Common Kisama types include Gharabari (homestead), Krushi (agricultural), Gochar (grazing), and Jungle (forest). The Kisama determines what activities are legally permitted on the land.

Traditional land unit used in Cuttack, Bhubaneswar, and coastal Odisha. 1 Katha = approximately 720 square feet (varies by district). Common in older property documents and informal transactions.

Also: Agricultural Land

Agricultural land classified for cultivation in Odisha — the most common Kisama type. Cannot be used for non-agricultural purposes without conversion (RRC 8-A order). Converts to Gharabari status after conversion.

A temporary or semi-permanent structure built with mud, bamboo, or locally available materials in Odisha. Kachha Ghara construction does not require building plan approval in rural areas but cannot be used as collateral for bank loans.

A tribal community land-holding system found in Sundergarh, Keonjhar, and border areas of Odisha-Jharkhand. Under Khuntkatti, land belongs collectively to the founding tribal family's descendants and cannot be sold to outsiders. Critical to understand before investing in tribal belt areas.

The process of buying and consolidating multiple small land parcels into a larger contiguous parcel. Used by developers for township projects and by investors seeking bulk land deals. Odisha Acres facilitates land aggregation across 12 districts.

Property where the buyer has the right to use the land for a fixed period (30, 99, or 999 years) under a lease agreement with the government or original landowner. IDCO plots are typically leasehold. Contrast with Freehold.

Previous sale deeds or title documents establishing an unbroken chain of ownership for a property. Banks require 13–30 years of link documents for home loan approval to ensure clear title.

The percentage of a property's value that a bank is willing to finance as a home loan. In India, LTV is capped at 80% for loans above ₹30 lakh, meaning the buyer must arrange at least 20% as down payment.

Low-lying land near river banks in Odisha — seasonally inundated. Common along Mahanadi, Brahmani, and Rushikulya rivers. Prices are low but flood risk is high. Unsuitable for construction without elevation and proper approvals.

Rent-free land grants historically given to temples, educational institutions, or individuals by kings or zamindars in Odisha. Lakhiraj land has no revenue payable. Post-independence, most Lakhiraj grants were regularized but some disputes remain in Puri and Cuttack districts.

A long-term urban development plan prepared by BDA, CDA, or municipal authorities designating land-use zones — residential, commercial, industrial, green zones. Construction outside the Master Plan zoning is illegal.

Refers to road connectivity to a plot — whether the access road is a government road or private land. In Odisha, 'Mo Sadak' or 'Nayana' in revenue maps indicates a public road. A plot without government road access can be legally landlocked.

A legal arrangement where property is pledged as security for a loan. The property title is transferred to the lender until the loan is repaid. An Encumbrance Certificate will reveal any existing mortgages on a property.

Also: Dakhil Kharij

The process of updating the government land records (Khata/Patta) to reflect the new owner's name after a property purchase, inheritance, or gift. In Odisha, mutation must be completed at the local Tahasil office within 90 days of registration.

The smallest revenue unit in Odisha — essentially a village or settlement with defined boundaries. Each Mouza has a unique name and code. All Khata and Khesra numbers are within a specific Mouza. Always note the Mouza name when searching Bhulekh.

The old zamindari land tenure system in Western Odisha (Sambalpur division), where the Malguzar (local landlord) collected revenue and managed land records. Malguzari records are the basis for title verification in Sambalpur, Sundergarh, and Bolangir districts.

A path or track recorded in Odisha's revenue maps, typically used as a public right of way. Plots adjacent to a Nayana have legal road access. Important to verify during site visits to ensure the path is not encroached.

Government-owned urban land that is leased for residential or commercial purposes. Nazul leases in Odisha cities are managed by the Collector's office. Nazul land cannot be sold — only the lease rights can be transferred.

A clearance document from a relevant authority certifying no objection to a specific action. In real estate, NOCs may be required from BDA, municipality, forest department, or existing lenders before a property transaction.

An Indian citizen residing outside India for more than 182 days in a financial year. NRIs can purchase residential and commercial properties in India but must follow FEMA guidelines. Agricultural land purchase is restricted.

Land classified as a drainage channel or water body in Odisha revenue maps. Strictly cannot be built upon. A common fraud in peri-urban areas is selling Nala land as buildable plots — always cross-check Bhulekh Odisha.

Low-lying land ('Nichu' meaning low in Odia) that collects rainwater and remains waterlogged seasonally. Common in flood-prone coastal and delta districts. Requires significant filling and approval before any development.

Also: Cadastral Map

The official survey/cadastral map of a village Mouza in Odisha. Shows all Khesra boundaries, roads, water bodies, and public land. A Naksha extract from the Survey office confirms the shape and neighbours of a plot.

Also: Sujog

The online system — also called Sujog — for applying, tracking, and obtaining building plan approvals in Odisha. Digitalizes the approval process across all local bodies, reducing delays and physical visits.

A person of Indian origin holding foreign citizenship who is granted lifelong Indian visa and near-parity rights with NRIs. OCIs can purchase property in India under the same FEMA rules as NRIs, except for agricultural land.

A certificate issued by the local authority confirming that a building is safe for occupation and has been built as per the approved plan. Banks require OC before disbursing final home loan installment. Never move into a building without OC.

The key legislation governing agricultural land in Odisha — setting ceiling limits, regulating tribal land transfers, and defining conversion procedures. Anyone purchasing agricultural land or dealing with tribal districts must understand this Act.

The state-level regulator established under RERA to protect homebuyers in Odisha. All residential projects above 500 sq m or 8 units must be registered with ORERA. Buyers can file complaints, track project status, and verify builder credentials at ORERA.

Government agency that develops affordable housing projects in Odisha cities. OSHB periodically launches schemes for EWS, LIG, and MIG categories with subsidized pricing.

Government programme that consolidates fragmented small agricultural plots in flood-prone areas of Odisha into larger, manageable holdings. ODC areas have specific land-use restrictions.

A covered front porch or verandah in traditional Odia home design — the transitional space between the main entrance and the inner rooms. Osara is a characteristic feature mentioned in old property partition deeds in Odisha.

State legislation preventing transfer of land owned by Scheduled Tribes in notified tribal areas of Odisha to non-tribal persons without government permission. Covers Koraput, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, Malkangiri, Keonjhar, Sundergarh, and parts of other districts.

A legal document dividing jointly-owned property among co-owners, typically family members. Common in Odisha for dividing ancestral land. Stamp duty on partition deeds is lower than on sale deeds.

Also: RoR, Record of Rights

The Record of Rights (RoR) document in Odisha that is the primary proof of land ownership. A Patta contains the owner's name, Khata number, Khesra numbers, land area, Kisama (land type), and revenue details. Always the first document to verify.

A premium apartment on the top floor of a building, typically featuring larger space, private terrace, and superior views. Penthouses in Bhubaneswar's prime localities command 25–40% premium over regular floors.

A document issued by the builder/developer to the buyer confirming physical handover of the property. The possession date triggers the start of the EMI payment period and is the reference date for RERA delivery commitments.

A payment structure where the bulk of the payment (often 80–90%) is due only at possession. Reduces buyer risk in under-construction projects. More common in larger developers with strong balance sheets.

A legal document authorizing another person to act on one's behalf for property transactions. Common for NRIs who cannot be physically present. Must be registered and notarized. Always verify PoA validity before transacting.

Interest paid on the disbursed loan amount during the construction period, before the full loan is drawn and regular EMI begins. Pre-EMI payments do not reduce the principal amount.

Fallow or uncultivated agricultural land left unused for one or more seasons in Odisha. Classified as government land if uncultivated for extended periods. Can be claimed back by the government under OLR provisions.

Village-level revenue official in some parts of Odisha (more common in Odisha's ex-princely states like Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj). Maintains daily land records and field-level data. Similar function to Revenue Inspector.

A permanent pucca construction using brick, cement, and RCC in Odisha. Pakka Ghara requires a building plan approval from the local body. Used as collateral for bank loans. Preferred by buyers for its durability and resale value.

A temporary Patta issued to landowners in Odisha pending final settlement or verification. Often issued to occupants of government land under regularization schemes. A Provisional Patta has weaker legal standing than a Regular Patta — verify before transacting.

Also: Benchmark Value, Circle Rate

Another term for Benchmark/Circle Rate — the minimum government-set value for property in a given area, used for stamp duty calculation. Published annually by IGR Odisha.

A unique identifier assigned to a real estate project upon registration with ORERA (Odisha RERA). Before booking any flat or plot, verify the RERA registration number at ORERA's website to confirm the project is legally compliant.

Annual rental income as a percentage of the property's market value. Formula: (Annual Rent ÷ Property Value) × 100. Rourkela and Bhubaneswar industrial zones offer 4–6% rental yields, driven by corporate tenant demand.

The transfer of sale proceeds from Indian property back to an NRI's foreign bank account. Under FEMA, repatriation is allowed up to the original foreign currency investment amount. Requires FIRC and bank documentation.

A government official at the village/ward level who manages land records, inspects mutation applications, and reports on field conditions. The RI is the first point of contact for land record issues at the grassroots level in Odisha.

Also: Patta

The official land ownership record in Odisha, also known as Patta. A complete RoR includes details of the landowner, plot area, land use classification, revenue payable, and encumbrances. Verify via Bhulekh Odisha before any purchase.

A cultivator/tenant who pays land revenue to the government in Odisha. Under OLR Act, permanent Raiyats (Occupancy Raiyats) have protected tenure rights and cannot be easily evicted. Relevant when purchasing agricultural land with existing cultivators.

The Odisha government department overseeing all land revenue, mutation, land conversion (RRC 8-A orders), and disaster management. RRC 8-A orders are required to convert agricultural land to Gharabari/residential status.

Land within the defined river bed or flood plain of Odisha's major rivers (Mahanadi, Brahmani, Baitarani). Such land is government property and cannot be privately owned or built upon. Commonly seen in Cuttack, Kendrapara, and Jagatsinghpur districts.

The primary legal document that transfers property ownership from seller to buyer. Must be registered at the Sub-Registrar's office in whose jurisdiction the property falls. The most important document in any property purchase.

The periodic government survey and revision of land records in Odisha, during which plot boundaries, ownership, and land-use classifications are verified and updated. Odisha last conducted a major Settlement exercise in the 1960s–80s.

Cremation ground land in Odisha revenue records. Cannot be purchased or developed under any circumstances. Always check the Kisama on the Patta to ensure a plot is not classified as Smashan.

A government tax paid on property transactions, calculated as a percentage of the higher of the transaction value or benchmark value. In Odisha, stamp duty is 5% for male buyers, with concessions for women buyers and tribal areas.

The government office where property sale deeds, gift deeds, and other documents are registered in Odisha. Each district is divided into sub-registration zones; documents must be registered in the SRO of the jurisdiction where the property is located.

The total area including carpet area, walls, balcony, and a proportionate share of common areas (lobbies, corridors, staircases). Often the figure quoted in advertisements. Can be 25–30% more than actual carpet area.

Also: OBPAS

Odisha government's online building plan approval platform — the state's version of OBPAS. Allows architects and applicants to submit and track building plan approvals digitally across all municipal bodies in Odisha.

Also: Decimal, Dismil

The Bengali/Odia term for Decimal — widely used in Cuttack, Bhadrak, Balasore, and Coastal Odisha. 1 Satak = 1 Decimal = 435.6 sq ft. 100 Sataks = 1 Acre.

Informal Odia term for a property deal or agreement — an advance payment made to 'book' a property before formal documentation. Sauda payments should always be backed by a written Agreement to Sell; verbal Sauda arrangements have no legal protection.

The administrative sub-division of a district in Odisha, headed by the Tahasildar. All mutation applications, Patta corrections, and land record issues are handled at the Tahasil level. Also the office where RoR copies can be obtained.

The Revenue Officer in charge of a Tahasil in Odisha. Responsible for approving mutations, land conversions, and revenue record updates. Key government contact for any land-related issue in rural and semi-urban Odisha.

A legal investigation of a property's ownership history to verify clear and marketable title. Conducted by a lawyer by examining registered documents, revenue records, and court records for 13–30 years. Essential before any significant purchase.

A large integrated real estate development (typically 10+ acres) with residential, commercial, and recreational components. Township projects in Odisha are concentrated in Bhubaneswar's peripheral areas and emerging cities like Rourkela.

Under Odisha's OLR Act and the OSATIP Act, scheduled tribe members' land in notified tribal areas cannot be sold to non-tribals without government approval. A critical legal constraint in districts like Koraput, Keonjhar, and Rayagada.

Also: Tahasildar

The Revenue Officer in charge of a Tahasil, responsible for approving mutations, land conversions, and revenue record updates in Odisha. Higher authority than RI. Mutation approvals require Tahasildar's signature.

A field measurement sketch prepared by the Amin after physical survey in Odisha. Contains the Khesra number, area, and boundary details with field measurements. Attached to mutation files and used to resolve boundary disputes.

A government revenue register in Odisha maintained at the district level recording all revenue-paying land holdings. The Tauzi number is a unique identifier for each revenue account. Banks may require the Tauzi extract during home loan processing for rural properties.

A rental or lease arrangement for property in Odisha — 'Thika' means renting or leasing. 'Thika Tenant' in Odisha law refers to occupants of land in urban areas with protected tenancy rights under the Odisha Thika Tenancy Act, relevant for Cuttack's older settlements.

The proportionate share of land that each flat owner holds in an apartment complex. When you buy a flat, you get UDS of the total plot area. A larger UDS means more land ownership and is important when the building is eventually redeveloped.

Upland paddy field in Odisha — high ground that depends only on rainfall (non-irrigated). Lower productivity than low-land paddy but safer from floods. Common in hilly tribal districts of Western and Southern Odisha.

Odisha government's programme for computerisation and distribution of land passbooks (Record of Rights) to landowners. Vasundhara passbooks are official documents accepted for financial and legal purposes.

An independent or semi-detached residential unit on its own plot, typically with garden space. In Odisha, villas are predominantly found in Bhubaneswar's premium localities and gated communities in Puri's resort corridor.

Surplus agricultural land taken over by the Odisha government from large landholders under ceiling laws (OLR Act), to be distributed to landless farmers. Vested land is government property and cannot be purchased. Verify that a plot is not classified as Vested Land before purchase.

A legal document specifying how a person's assets, including property, should be distributed after death. A registered Will provides clear succession and prevents disputes. Unregistered Wills are valid but easier to contest.

Land-use classification under the city's Master Plan — Residential, Commercial, Industrial, Agricultural, Green/Open Space, etc. Any construction or use that violates the zoning classification is illegal and subject to demolition or penalty.