Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 06 June 2025
In a significant move aimed at simplifying public service delivery and promoting ease of doing business in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the Hon’ble Lt. Governor has approved key reforms in high-volume services of the Revenue Department. The changes, which will take effect from 9th June 2025, are expected to reduce bureaucratic procedures and enhance efficiency in the functioning of various government services.
Key reforms approved include:
1 Discontinuation of ‘No Dues Certificate’ and ‘Non-Encumbrance Certificate’:
Until now, these certificates were mandatory during property registration to verify revenue dues. However, since revenue receipts are already issued annually and verified by the Sub-Registrar (SDM) during registration, separate issuance of these certificates has been deemed redundant. Moving forward, buyers are expected to verify any existing dues owed to banks through the Record of Rights (RoR) and local inquiries. A self-declaration from the parties involved will suffice, streamlining the registration process.
2 Abolition of Valuation Certificates:
The practice of issuing valuation certificates will also be discontinued, aligning the Islands with the norms followed by other States and Union Territories. Property valuation will now be based strictly on notified Circle Rates, taking into account various determining factors.
3 Licensing under Petroleum Act, 1934 read with Petroleum Rules, 2002 and other relevant provisions::
In an effort to improve fuel accessibility across the Islands, ANIIDCO has been authorized to open new petrol pumps wherever demand exists. Necessary approvals will be taken as required, enabling a more demand-driven approach to fuel distribution.
4 Discontinuation of Annual Boat License Survey by Revenue Department:
With the implementation of the new Inland Vessels Act and associated rules, the responsibility for vessel surveys now lies with the Chief Surveyor or designated Surveyors of Inland Vessels. As a result, the Revenue Department’s annual survey requirement for boat license renewal has been withdrawn with immediate effect.
These reforms are part of a broader effort by the A&N Administration to enhance transparency, reduce red tape, and bring the Islands’ governance mechanisms in line with national standards. Citizens and stakeholders are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the updated procedures and utilize the streamlined services. (Story Based on PR)