In a significant administrative reform aimed at improving efficiency in revenue case disposal, the Himachal Pradesh Government has decided to delegate the powers of the Financial Commissioner (Appeals) to the Divisional Commissioners of Shimla, Kangra, and Mandi divisions. This delegation pertains specifically to revenue revision cases under Section 17 of the Himachal Pradesh Land Revenue Act, 1954—provided the Divisional Commissioner has not already exercised appellate powers under Section 14 of the same Act.
A government spokesperson explained that this move is intended to simplify and speed up the resolution of revenue-related matters. Following the 2002 amendment to the Act, all revision powers under Section 17 were centralized under the Financial Commissioner (Appeals), creating a bottleneck and delays, particularly affecting residents in remote and rural areas. Prior to the amendment, Collectors and Divisional Commissioners had a role in handling such cases, though final orders still required approval from the Financial Commissioner.
The spokesperson pointed out that the centralization of authority led to a significant rise in the number of cases filed before the Financial Commissioner, with many citizens forced to travel to Shimla multiple times—resulting in inconvenience and financial strain.
By decentralizing these powers, the government aims to enhance public access to justice, reduce litigation costs, and lighten the load on the Financial Commissioner (Appeals). Citizens will now be able to pursue revision cases at the divisional level, making the overall process more accessible, efficient, and citizen-friendly.
This reform is expected to streamline revenue administration in the state and marks a step toward responsive and localized governance.
