98.5% of rural land records have been digitized by 2024, which will increase transparency and resolve land-related problems. This achievement is part of the Digital India Land Records Modernization Program launched in 2008, which aims to digitize and modernize agricultural land records to improve accessibility and reduce disputes related to it. The Survey of Villages and Mapping with Advanced Technology in Rural Areas (SVAMITVA) scheme is related to the preparation of land records related to residential areas, which aims to resolve land disputes, help villagers get bank loans based on their properties and help gram panchayats to prepare development plans and collect property taxes.
Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme
- The National Land Records Modernization Programme (NLRMP) was relaunched in 2016 and renamed as Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP), a Central Sector Scheme funded 100% by the Centre.
- NLRMP was a Centrally Sponsored Scheme launched in 2008 with the objective of modernizing the land records system in the country and implementing a conclusive land ownership system with ownership guarantee.
Key Initiatives under DILRMP
- Unique Land Parcel Identification Number (ULPIN): ULPIN or “Bhoo Aadhaar” is a 14-digit alphanumeric code for each land parcel based on its geo-coordinates. Implemented in 29 States/UTs, the scheme helps streamline real estate transactions, resolve property disputes and improve disaster management efforts.
- National Common Document Registration System (NGDRS): NGDRS or e-Registration provides a uniform process for deed/document registration across the country, facilitating online entry, payments, appointments and document search. So far, 18 States/UTs have adopted it and 12 others have shared data with the national portal.
- e-Court Integration: The aim of linking land records with e-Courts is to provide authentic land information to the judiciary, aid speedy resolution of cases and reduce land disputes. Integration has been approved in 26 States/UTs.
- Transliteration of Land Records: To overcome language barriers in accessing land records, this programme is transliterating land documents into any of the 22 languages listed in Schedule VIII of the Indian Constitution. The scheme is already in operation in 17 States/UTs.
- Bhoomi Samman: Under this initiative, 168 districts in 16 states have achieved “Platinum Grading” for completing more than 99% of the key components of the program, including land record computerization and map digitization.
India Needs Digital Land Records Management System
- Land is a critical resource for India as more than 45% of India’s workforce is engaged in agriculture, according to the Economic Survey 2023-24, which requires a modern and transparent land records management system.
- In 2008, the government launched the NLRMP, renamed as DILRMP in 2016.
Need for Digital Land Records
- Ensuring Equity: Transparent land records enable fair land reforms, benefiting the landless and marginalized. They also empower women and vulnerable groups by ensuring access to their land rights and related services.
- Reduce litigation: Land disputes in India are a major source of court cases, which cost both time and money. Transparent land records management can reduce disputes by ensuring clear, government-backed ownership rights.
- Promote development: Land is a critical asset for investment and development. Well-organized land records systems reduce transaction risk, encourage investment, and help landowners leverage ownership for loans and insurance.
- Improve transparency: India’s land records are often outdated and fragmented. Digitizing them and integrating them with other databases such as spatial and Aadhaar can increase accuracy and accessibility, as well as address the problem of benami properties.
Benefits of DILRMP (Digitization of Land Records)
- Improvement in quality of land records: DILRMP digitizes and updates land ownership and transaction records, making them available online to enhance accuracy, reliability and transparency.
- Reduction in litigation and fraud: DILRMP aims to establish a conclusive land-title system with government-backed guarantees, ensure undisputed ownership, compensation against title defects, and reduce land disputes and fraud in India.
- Promote growth and development: DILRMP facilitates efficient land markets, reduces transaction risk, enables access to credit using land ownership, as well as promotes investment in agriculture, infrastructure and housing, industrialization and regional development.