The Government of Assam launched Mission Basundhara 3.0 as the third and most ambitious phase of its flagship land record modernization program. The mission was officially notified by the Revenue & Disaster Management Department on 15th October 2024 and became operational from 19th October 2024. The formal launch ceremony took place at Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra in Guwahati, with Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma presiding over the event.
Building on the success of Mission Basundhara 1.0 (launched in 2021) and Mission Basundhara 2.0 (launched in 2022), the third edition introduces several new services, expanded eligibility criteria, and a fully digitized framework for land-related applications. The mission aims to provide land rights to indigenous communities, occupancy tenants, educational and religious institutions, and other eligible groups through a transparent, online process.
What is Mission Basundhara?
Mission Basundhara is a flagship program launched by the Department of Revenue and Disaster Management, Government of Assam, on 2nd October 2021. The initiative was developed under the leadership of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to streamline land revenue services, reduce pendency in land record updation, and make these services accessible to citizens without requiring them to visit revenue circle offices.
The mission has three core components: purification of land records in a mission mode, polygon survey of yet-to-be-surveyed non-cadastral villages, and re-survey of cadastral villages using hybrid methodology. The ultimate goal is to achieve 100 per cent digitization of maps and full integration of maps, land records, and registration systems under the Digital India Land Records Modernization Program (DILRMP).
The mission has evolved through three phases:
- Mission Basundhara 1.0 (2021): Addressed issues such as conversion of annual pattas to periodic pattas, correction of land record errors, and reclassification of land categories, benefiting around 5.82 lakh families.
- Mission Basundhara 2.0 (2022): Focused on granting land rights to indigenous people living on government land for generations, benefiting 2.29 lakh families, of whom 85 per cent belonged to SC, ST, and OBC communities.
- Mission Basundhara 3.0 (2024 onward): The final and most comprehensive phase, introducing additional services, relaxed eligibility criteria, and fully digitized application processes.
The Chief Minister has stated that Mission Basundhara 3.0 is the "final package" designed to resolve all legacy land-related issues in the state, after which the government will proceed to issue land passbooks to all landowners.
Key Highlights – Mission Basundhara 3.0 at a Glance
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Mission Name | Mission Basundhara 3.0 |
| Launch Date | 20th October 2024 (notified from 19th October 2024) |
| Launched By | Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma |
| Department | Revenue and Disaster Management Department, Govt of Assam |
| Application Mode | Online through Sewa Setu Portal |
| Official Portal | https://sewasetu.assam.gov.in / https://basundhara.assam.gov.in |
| Helpline Number | 1800-345-3574 (Toll-Free) |
| Helpline Email | rtps-assam@assam.gov.in |
What's New in Mission Basundhara 3.0? – Key Features
Mission Basundhara 3.0 introduces several new features and expanded services. The Assam Cabinet approved the launch on 8th October 2024 with the following key provisions:
| Sl No. | Key Feature | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Relaxed Three-Generation Criteria | SC/ST/Tea Tribe/Ex-Tea Tribe/Adivasi/Gorkha communities exempted from proving three-generation ancestry. Pre-1971 refugee certificate holders also eligible. |
| 2 | Digitalized Settlement for Institutions | Land allotment for non-government educational, religious, and socio-cultural institutions with 3+ years possession in rural areas (10+ years in urban areas) before 1st October 2021. |
| 3 | Digidoc Launch | Digital repository for non-registrable and optionally registrable documents, streamlining handling and reducing service delays. |
| 4 | Mission-Mode Revenue Campaign | State to collect outstanding land revenue and link zonal prices to revenue collection in urban areas. |
| 5 | Geospatial Mapping Service | Providing digital geospatial maps to enhance land record accuracy and deepen property boundary determination. |
Additional notable features include reduced premium rates in urban areas to 3 per cent of zonal valuation, reconsideration of rejected Mission Basundhara 2.0 applications, and special provisions for tea grant land regularization.
Complete List of Services under Mission Basundhara 3.0
The government notification dated 15th October 2024 lists the following services to be covered under Mission Basundhara 3.0. These services are delivered through the Sewa Setu Portal, with applications submitted entirely online.
| Sl No. | Service Name | Brief Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Review of MB 2.0 pending clarification cases | Re-examination of applications rejected under Mission Basundhara 2.0 due to lack of clarity. |
| 2 | Digitalized settlement of land to non-individual juridical entities | Land allotment for educational, religious, and socio-cultural institutions in public nature. |
| 3 | Settlement of erstwhile Bhoodan/Gramdan land | Granting ownership rights over lands previously donated under Bhoodan/Gramdan movements. |
| 4 | Ownership rights to occupancy tenants from erstwhile rural lands | Conferring ownership rights under Assam (Temporary Settled Areas) Tenancy Act, 1971. |
| 5 | Offering reclassification suite | Allowing landholders to apply for land usage reclassification (e.g., agricultural to residential). |
| 6 | End-to-end digitalization of Annual Patta to PP conversion | Conversion of annual patta lands to periodic patta with rationalized rates in town and peripheral areas. |
| 7 | Limited conversion of tea grant land to periodic patta | Regularization of tea grant land for non-tea purposes subject to premium payment. |
| 8 | Settlement of land under SVAMITVA NC village survey | Land settlement in non-cadastral villages surveyed under the central SVAMITVA scheme. |
In addition, a subsequent notification dated 20th November 2025 added settlement of hereditary land for Moran and Matak communities, up to a maximum limit of 50 bighas in rural areas.
Services in Detail – A Closer Look
1. Review of MB 2.0 Cases Pending for Clarification: Many applicants under Mission Basundhara 2.0 faced rejection due to incomplete or unclear documentation. Under 3.0, these cases are being reviewed afresh. Applicants can re‑apply with proper clarifications. The government has simplified policies to allow reconsideration where possible.
2. Digitalized Settlement to Non‑Individual Juridical Entities: Non‑government institutions – including educational institutions (schools, colleges), religious institutions (temples, namghars, satras, churches, mosques), and socio‑cultural organizations – that have been in continuous possession of land for at least three years in rural areas (or ten years in urban areas) before 1st October 2021 can apply for allotment of government land under this service. Settlement premium for rural homestead and ordinary cultivation land is fixed at ₹500 per bigha. SC/ST, persons with disabilities without regular income, and widows receive a 25% concession.
3. Settlement of Erstwhile Bhoodan/Gramdan Land: This service addresses lands that were voluntarily donated under the Bhoodan (land gift) and Gramdan (village gift) movements. Occupancy tenants on such lands can now acquire full ownership rights by submitting rent receipts and a copy of the Rayati Khatian.
4. Ownership Rights to Occupancy Tenants: Under the Assam (Temporary Settled Areas) Tenancy Act, 1971, occupancy tenants residing on lands that were once part of rural areas but later became urban can apply for conferment of ownership rights. This service is particularly relevant for families living on such lands for decades without formal title. Applicants must submit proof of tenancy and rent receipts.
5. Reclassification Suite: Landholders whose land usage has changed over time (e.g., agricultural land converted to residential, commercial, or industrial use) can apply for official reclassification. This ensures that land records reflect actual usage, enables legal transactions, and prevents compliance issues. Required documents include up‑to‑date land revenue receipt (Khazana).
6. Annual Patta to Periodic Patta (PP) Conversion: Under the existing system, many landholders hold annual pattas, which are essentially yearly leases requiring renewal. This service allows conversion to periodic patta – a more secure, long‑term form of land right. Conversion is offered at rationalized premium rates. In urban and peripheral areas, the process is fully digitized.
7. Limited Conversion of Tea Grant Land: Small tea growers who have been utilizing government land for tea cultivation without formal ownership rights can now regularize their holdings. Under this service, tea grant land can be converted to periodic patta after paying a rationalized premium. The government has also reduced settlement premium for coffee and rubber cultivation to ₹5,000 per bigha. Legal measures will, however, penalize unauthorized land use once the mission concludes.
8. SVAMITVA‑Based Land Settlement: The SVAMITVA (Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas) scheme, a central government initiative, aims to establish clear ownership rights in rural areas using drone technology. Under Mission Basundhara 3.0, land settlement is being carried out in non‑cadastral villages where surveys have been completed. Over 30,000 families have already been granted pattas through this service.
Special Provisions for Moran and Matak Communities
On 20th November 2025, the government issued a separate notification amending the Land Policy, 2019. Clause 1.19 was inserted to allow settlement of hereditary land in possession of the Moran and Matak communities for the past three generations, up to a maximum limit of 50 bighas in rural areas. For the purpose of this amendment, 'generation' means a period of 25 years, and 'hereditary land' means land that has been in continuous and undisputed possession of the family for at least three generations prior to the commencement of this amendment.
Eligibility Criteria – Who Can Apply?
The eligibility criteria vary depending on the specific service being applied for. However, the following categories are generally eligible to apply under Mission Basundhara 3.0:
| Sl No. | Eligible Category | Specific Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Indigenous SC/ST applicants | Exempted from three-generation proof requirement. Relaxation of three-generation criteria for SC/ST/Tea Tribe/Ex-Tea Tribe/Adivasi/Gorkha communities. |
| 2 | Tea Tribe, Ex-Tea Tribe, Adivasi, Gorkha communities | Recognized as "sons of the soil"; three-generation ancestry requirement waived. |
| 3 | Refugees with valid certificates | Holders of refugee certificates with a date prior to 25th March 1971 are eligible. |
| 4 | Occupancy tenants (urban and rural areas) | Families living on erstwhile rural lands or town lands without formal ownership rights. |
| 5 | Educational, religious, socio-cultural institutions | Non-government institutions with 3+ years possession in rural areas (10+ years in urban areas) before 1st October 2021. |
| 6 | Bhoodan and Gramdan land holders | Occupancy tenants on Bhoodan/Gramdan lands seeking ownership rights. |
| 7 | Residents of non-cadastral villages | For SVAMITVA-based land settlement where surveys have been completed. |
| 8 | Moran and Matak communities | For settlement of hereditary land with three-generation possession, up to 50 bighas in rural areas. |
| 9 | Small tea, coffee, rubber cultivators | For regularization of grant land used for cultivation purposes. |
Exclusion Criteria – Who Cannot Apply? Mission Basundhara 3.0 will not include settlement of any land which was encroached in recent years on an organized basis or in riverine areas due to ecological reasons. However, Majuli is an exception due to its nature as a permanent island. No land belonging to any government department, PSU, co‑operative society, religious institution (such as satra, namghar), etc., will be allowed for settlement to individuals.
Documents Required for Mission Basundhara 3.0 Application
Applicants need to upload scanned copies of the following documents while applying online. The specific documents required may vary depending on the service being availed.
| Sl No. | Document Name | Purpose / Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aadhaar Card | For identity verification and voluntary authentication. |
| 2 | Voter ID or other government-issued photo ID | Alternative identity proof. |
| 3 | Jamabandi copy / Patta documents | Existing land records (if applicable). |
| 4 | Land revenue receipt (Khazana) | Proof of up-to-date tax payment. |
| 5 | Caste certificate | For SC/ST/OBC/MOBC applicants claiming category-based benefits. |
| 6 | Refugee certificate | For applicants claiming eligibility under pre-1971 refugee category. |
| 7 | Rent receipts / Rayati Khatian copy | For occupancy tenants seeking ownership rights. |
| 8 | Affidavits and declaration forms | As required for specific services. |
| 9 | Certificate of legal heirs | If application is being made by legal heirs of original occupant. |
All documents should be scanned and uploaded in PDF or JPEG format. File sizes should be within the prescribed limits (usually 200 KB to 500 KB).
How to Apply for Mission Basundhara 3.0 – Step‑by‑Step Guide
The entire application process is online through the Sewa Setu portal. Applicants do not need to visit revenue circle offices. Here is the complete step‑by‑step procedure:
- Visit the official portal: Go to https://sewasetu.assam.gov.in or https://basundhara.assam.gov.in.
- Select the desired service: Scroll to the "Services of Mission Basundhara" section and click the application link for the specific service you wish to avail.
- Login with mobile number: Enter your active mobile number and click "Send OTP". Enter the OTP received on your mobile and click "Submit OTP" to log in.
- Fill personal and land details: Complete Step 1 by providing your personal information (name, address, etc.). Then enter land details such as district, circle, village, dag number, etc.
- Upload required documents: Upload scanned copies of all required documents as per the service selected.
- Review and confirm: Complete Step 3 and Step 4 by reviewing the filled information, verifying all details, and confirming the submission.
- Download acknowledgment: After successful submission, an acknowledgment receipt with a unique application number will be generated. Download it and save it for future reference.
- Track application status: You can track the status of your application using the application ID on the portal. The status will show as "Pending", "Under Verification", "Approved", or "Rejected".
Important Note: The application timeline for services under Mission Basundhara 3.0 has varied. The initial window was from 19th October 2024 to 31st December 2024. Extended windows have been provided for specific services (e.g., Moran/Matak settlement: 1st December 2025 to 31st January 2026). Applicants are advised to check the official portal for current open windows.
Important Dates – Application Windows
| Service / Event | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Initial MB 3.0 application window | 19th October 2024 | 31st December 2024 |
| Moran and Matak community settlement (Notification dated 20th November 2025) | 1st December 2025 | 31st January 2026 |
| Final application submission deadline (extended) | 20th October 2024 | 10th January 2025 |
| Deadline for disposal of Moran/Matak applications | 1st December 2025 | 31st July 2026 |
Note: All applications found in order in all respects will be disposed of within the deadline fixed for each service. For Moran/Matak applications, the disposal deadline is 31st July 2026.
Recent News and Achievements (2025-2026)
February 2026 – Distribution of Over 1 Lakh Land Pattas: On 27th February 2026, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma launched the distribution of land pattas to over one lakh indigenous landless families and public institutions under Mission Basundhara 3.0 at a programme held at Deuri Beel in Dhemaji district. A total of 1,06,905 beneficiaries across Assam received land pattas on that day, including 44,700 beneficiaries from Dhemaji district alone. Forest land rights were also granted to 538 residents of Subansiri and Jiadhal Reserved Forests under the Forest Rights Act, 2006.
March 2026 – Tea Garden Labour Line Settlement: On 13th March 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the presence of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, distributed pattas under Mission Basundhara for settlement of Tea Labour Line land. This initiative addressed a long‑standing structural issue. The government had amended the Assam Fixation of Ceiling on Land Holdings Act, 1956, in 2025 to enable this. Over 82,970 approved cases have been processed across 20 districts, covering 106 tea gardens in the first phase. The total estimated households residing in labour lines across Assam is approximately 3.54 lakh families, spread across ~707 tea gardens.
June 2025 – Cabinet Approval for Infrastructure Projects: The Assam Cabinet approved the allotment of government land for 942 infrastructure projects across 11 urban districts under the Mission Basundhara 3.0 framework. Additionally, land settlement was approved in favour of 1,977 non‑government educational, religious, and socio‑cultural institutions across 12 districts.
Overall Progress (As of February 2026): The Chief Minister claimed that nearly 80 per cent of land‑related issues in the state have been resolved over the past five years. The remaining 2‑3 lakh cases will be addressed in the coming years through Mission Basundhara 4.0 and 5.0. Under Mission Basundhara 1.0, around 5.82 lakh families were benefitted; under 2.0, 2.29 lakh families received land rights. Land pattas have also been issued to 8,406 religious institutions, 2,213 clubs and cultural organizations, and 13,637 educational institutions across the state.
Important Instructions for Applicants
| Sl No. | Instruction |
|---|---|
| 1 | Applications are accepted only online. No offline applications are entertained. |
| 2 | Ensure all documents are self-attested and uploaded clearly. Illegible documents may lead to rejection. |
| 3 | Keep your mobile number active throughout the application process, as OTPs and status updates are sent to that number. |
| 4 | Applications once submitted cannot be edited. Double-check all information before final submission. |
| 5 | No user fee is charged for most services; however, premium rates and user fees for specific services are notified separately. |
| 6 | Aadhaar authentication of the applicant will be performed on a voluntary basis. |
| 7 | In case of rejection, applicants may re-apply under the reconsideration service if eligible. |
| 8 | For grievances or queries, call the toll-free helpline at 1800-345-3574 or email rtps-assam@assam.gov.in. |
Important Links
| Sl No. | Link Description | URL |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sewa Setu Portal (for applications) | https://sewasetu.assam.gov.in |
| 2 | Basundhara Dashboard | https://basundhara.assam.gov.in |
| 3 | Revenue and Disaster Management Department | https://revenue.assam.gov.in |
| 4 | Official MB 3.0 Notification (PDF) | Available on Sewa Setu portal under "Basundhara" section |
| 5 | Track Application Status | https://basundhara.assam.gov.in/trackstatus |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Mission Basundhara 3.0?
Mission Basundhara 3.0 is the third and final phase of Assam's flagship land record modernization program, launched on 20th October 2024. It provides online land‑related services such as conversion of annual pattas to periodic pattas, reclassification of land, ownership rights to occupancy tenants, and settlement of land for indigenous communities and institutions.
Who is eligible to apply under Mission Basundhara 3.0?
Eligible categories include indigenous SC/ST applicants, Tea Tribe/Ex‑Tea Tribe/Adivasi/Gorkha communities (exempted from three‑generation proof), pre‑1971 refugee certificate holders, occupancy tenants, educational/religious institutions, Bhoodan/Gramdan land holders, and Moran/Matak communities (for hereditary land up to 50 bighas).
What is the official website to apply for Mission Basundhara 3.0?
The official portals are sewasetu.assam.gov.in and basundhara.assam.gov.in. All applications must be submitted online through these portals.
What documents are required for application?
Required documents include Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Jamabandi copy/Patta documents, land revenue receipt (Khazana), caste certificate (if applicable), refugee certificate (if applicable), rent receipts/Rayati Khatian copy, and affidavits as required for specific services.
Is there any application fee for Mission Basundhara 3.0?
There is no separate application fee for most services. However, premium rates apply for land settlement. For rural areas, the premium is ₹500 per bigha (with 25% concession for SC/ST, PwD, widows). In urban areas, premium is 3% of zonal valuation. User fees for specific services will be notified separately.
What is the deadline for submitting applications?
The initial application window for MB 3.0 services was from 19th October 2024 to 31st December 2024. Extended windows have been provided for specific services. For Moran/Matak community settlement, the window was from 1st December 2025 to 31st January 2026. Check the official portal for current open windows.
How can I check the status of my application?
You can track your application status by logging into the portal (basundhara.assam.gov.in/trackstatus) and entering your application number. The status will show as Pending, Under Verification, Approved, or Rejected.
What is the helpline number for queries?
The toll‑free helpline number is 1800-345-3574. You can also email at rtps-assam@assam.gov.in for any queries or grievances.
Are SC/ST/Tea Tribe communities required to prove three‑generation ancestry?
No. Under Mission Basundhara 3.0, SC, ST, Tea Tribe, Ex‑Tea Tribe, Adivasi, and Gorkha communities are exempted from the requirement to prove three‑generation ancestry. They are recognized as "sons of the soil." Pre‑1971 refugee certificate holders are also eligible.
Can religious institutions apply for land pattas?
Yes. Non‑government educational, religious, and socio‑cultural institutions that have been in continuous possession of land for at least 3 years in rural areas (or 10 years in urban areas) before 1st October 2021 can apply for government land allotment under Mission Basundhara 3.0.
What is the status of the tea garden labour line settlement?
Under Mission Basundhara 3.0, the government has approved 82,970 cases for settlement of tea labour line land. The first phase covered 106 tea gardens across 20 districts. Prime Minister Narendra Modi distributed pattas on 13th March 2026. The total estimated households residing in labour lines is approximately 3.54 lakh across ~707 tea gardens.
What are the excluded areas under MB 3.0?
MB 3.0 does not apply to Sixth Schedule areas. Additionally, no settlement will be allowed for lands encroached in recent years on an organized basis or in riverine areas for ecological reasons (except Majuli). No land belonging to government departments, PSUs, satras, or namghars will be settled to individuals.
