Comprehensive Responsibilities of a Sub-Divisional Officer in Revenue and Agricultural Affairs

1) Revenue Administration Oversight:The SDO is responsible for the effective management of all revenue-related activities within the sub-division. Farmers experiencing issues with local revenue officials such as Talathis or Circle Officers can seek redress through the SDO's office.

2) Government Communication: SDOs handle reports for higher authorities like Collectors on governmental matters, ensuring that local agricultural inquiries and issues are escalated and addressed appropriately.

3) Personnel Management: The SDO has the authority to appoint and transfer Talathis, directly affecting the efficiency of local revenue services that farmers depend on.

4) Gaothan Extension Approvals: The SDO approves expansions of village boundaries (Gaothan) to accommodate population growth, directly influencing land use and community planning.

5) Scarcity Relief Measures: During periods of scarcity, the SDO ensures the distribution of water via tankers and oversees relief measures, a critical function during droughts or water shortages.

6) Employment Guarantee Scheme (EGS) Oversight: As the controlling officer for EGS activities at the sub-divisional level, the SDO ensures the provision of work and timely payment to laborers, which is crucial for the rural workforce.

7) Non-Agricultural Land Use Permissions: The SDO grants permissions for converting agricultural land for non-agricultural purposes in designated areas, impacting land value and use.

8) Land Revenue Collection: Tasked with the collection of land revenue and governmental dues, the SDO plays a pivotal role in the financial aspects of land management.

9) Appellate Authority in Revenue Matters: The SDO serves as the first appellate authority in revenue cases, providing a critical review and decision-making layer for disputes arising from lower revenue courts.

• Right of Way Appeals: Farmers needing access through another's land can appeal to the SDO if dissatisfied with a Tahsildar's decision.
• Crop Inspection Appeals: Disagreements regarding crop inspections can be appealed under the SDO’s jurisdiction.
• Mutation Entry Appeals: Challenges to mutation entries are addressed by the SDO, providing a recourse for correcting administrative entries.
• Partition Orders Appeals: Disputes over land partition orders made by Tahsildars can be escalated to the SDO.

10) Revenue Record Management: Farmers requiring historical revenue records for legal or personal reasons can obtain these from the SDO, ensuring transparency and accessibility.

11) Boundary Dispute Resolutions: The SDO addresses and resolves boundary disputes, a common issue among landholders, by ordering necessary measurements and adjustments.

12) Magisterial Duties: Apart from revenue functions, the SDO also performs certain judicial and quasi-judicial duties that can affect agricultural operations and community safety.

13) Agricultural Land Ceilings and Tenancy Judgments: The SDO handles crucial decisions regarding land ceilings and tenancy disputes, wielding delegated powers from the Collector to adjudicate on matters that directly affect farmers’ land rights.