Sat Nov 02 15:58:23 UTC 2024: ## Bihar Government to Take Over Vast Bettiah Raj Estate

**Patna, November 2, 2024** – The Bihar government is set to take control of the sprawling Bettiah Raj estate, spanning over 15,000 acres across multiple districts. The estate, once one of the largest in the state, is estimated to be worth over ₹8,000 crore and includes land in neighboring Uttar Pradesh.

According to officials, over half of the estate has been encroached upon. The Bihar government currently manages the property through the Board of Revenue, but is facing challenges in addressing the encroachment issue.

“The State government is contemplating the vesting of the entire Bettiah Raj estate in itself,” stated Mr. K.K. Pathak, chairman of the Bihar Board of Revenue. A Bill to this effect is expected to be presented during the upcoming legislative session in November-December.

Once passed, the property will fall under the State’s Revenue and Land Reforms department. The Bihar government has already initiated a process to remove encroachments and will intensify its efforts following the Bill’s passage.

The decision to take over the estate comes amidst a special land survey being conducted by the Bihar government to update land records. The Chief Minister, Nitish Kumar, has instructed officials to expedite the survey process and has extended the deadline for landowners to submit self-declarations regarding their ownership.

The Bettiah Raj estate was previously owned by the last zamindar, Harendra Kishor Singh, who died in 1893 leaving no heir. The estate was then managed by the Court of Wards before being transferred to the Board of Revenue.

Read More