Land Records Digitization

The Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP) is a central government initiative aimed at modernizing and streamlining land record management across India. Its main objectives include developing a comprehensive land information management system, improving real-time access to land records, and reducing land disputes through transparent and accurate data. DILRMP encompasses various components such as computerization of land records, surveying, and integration of registration processes. Additionally, innovative initiatives like Unique Land Parcel Identification Number (ULPIN) and National Generic Document Registration System (NGDRS) have been introduced to enhance efficiency and accessibility in land transactions. Through these efforts, DILRMP seeks to promote economic development, ensure equity in land ownership, and facilitate ease of doing business in the country.

The issue of land reform and smallholdings among farmers has long been a contentious matter in India, exacerbated by multiple litigations stemming from unclear land records and disputes over land ownership. Land being in the state list has led to varied approaches and policies across different states, further complicating the matter. In light of these challenges, the implementation of the Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP) has emerged as a critical necessity.

Smallholding of farms (almost 86%) is prevalent across India, with a significant portion of the population (almost 45%) relying on agriculture for their livelihood. However, fragmented land ownership, outdated land records, and inadequate land management practices have resulted in numerous disputes and litigations, hampering agricultural productivity and socio-economic development.

The DILRMP aims to address these challenges by modernizing land record management systems, digitizing land records, and promoting transparency and efficiency in land governance. By creating a comprehensive and transparent land information management system, DILRMP seeks to provide accurate and accessible land records to stakeholders, including farmers, government authorities, and landowners.

The Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP) was given the nod by the Cabinet on August 21, 2008. It's a Central Sector scheme that's now extended till 2023-24 to fulfill its original goals and incorporate new initiatives. This program aims to revamp the land records system across India. It merges two existing schemes - Computerization of Land Records (CLR) and Strengthening of Revenue Administration and Updating of Land Records (SRA&ULR). Under DILRMP, an Integrated Land Information Management System (ILIMS) is being developed to streamline parcel ownership, land use, taxation, boundaries, value, and encumbrances. The Department of Land Resources under the Ministry of Rural Development oversees its implementation.

The primary objectives of DILRMP include updating land records, automating mutation processes, integrating textual and spatial records, establishing inter-connectivity between revenue and registration systems, and transitioning from deeds registration to conclusive titling with title guarantee.

Land Records or Property records are the documents that provide information regarding the ownership, boundaries, and value of a property. These records are maintained by government authorities. These documents are important for legal, administrative, and financial purposes.

• Title Deed : It is the legal document that provides proof of the ownership of the land.
• Sale Deed : It is the document that provides details about the transfer of ownership from the seller to the buyer.
• Encumbrance Certificate : It is the certificate that ensures that the property is free from any legal or financial liabilities such as loans, mortgages, or disputes.
• Mutation register : It is the record of the change of ownership of land whenever a property is sold or transferred.
• Property tax receipts : It is the proof that the tax of the property are being paid to the local authority.
• Survey and plot plans : It shows the details about exact boundaries of the plot.
• Khata certificate : It is the documentary proof that the property is registered in the local municipal records.
• Land revenue records : It is the land record maintained by the evenue department that record ownership and land use details. It includes records like the Record of Rights (RoR), Tenancy and Crops (RTC).

The Indian land map is a comprehensive representation of India's geographical, political, and administrative features. It has details about country’s political boundaries (National boundaries, States, District boundaries, major cities and capitals etc.), physical terrains (Mountains, Plains, Rivers, Deserts etc.), transportation networks (Highways, Railways, Airports etc.), and other cultural and historical landmarks. Indian land map is important for planning and development, disaster management, navigation etc.

DILRMP comprises three major components:

1. Computerization of land records,
2. Survey/re-survey, and
3. Computerization of registration.

Additionally, modern record rooms and land records management centers are to be established at the tehsil/taluk/circle/block level, along with provisions for training and capacity building.

Implementation Strategy: The district serves as the focal point for DILRMP implementation, with all program activities converging at this level.

However, reports from institutions like the Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research (IGIDR), National Institute of Public Finance and Policy (NIPFP), and National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) have highlighted significant shortcomings in the implementation of DILRMP across states.

1. Technological Barriers: Lack of adequate infrastructure and technical capabilities pose challenges in effectively implementing digital land record management systems.
2. Resistance to Change: Some stakeholders, including staff managing land records, may exhibit resistance to adopting new technologies and processes, slowing down the implementation progress.
3. Public Awareness: There is a need for extensive public awareness campaigns to educate landowners about the benefits and usage of digital land record systems, as lack of awareness can hinder their effective utilization.
4. Inconsistencies in Data: Inaccuracies and inconsistencies in existing land records data create challenges in transitioning to digital platforms and maintaining data integrity.
5. Interoperability Issues: Integration and interoperability between different systems and databases, both within states and across states, remain a challenge, affecting the seamless exchange of land-related information.
6. Capacity Building: Insufficient training and capacity-building programs for stakeholders involved in managing land records hinder the effective utilization of digital systems and technologies.
7. Funding Constraints: Limited financial resources allocated for implementing DILRMP may impede the pace and scale of the program's rollout in some states.

Despite implementation challenges, DILRMP promises several benefits to citizens:

• Real-time access to land ownership records,
• Reduced interface with government officials, minimizing rent-seeking and harassment,
• Adoption of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode for service delivery, enhancing convenience,
• Single-window service and web-enabled access for obtaining Record of Rights (RoRs),
• Reduction in fraudulent property deals through automatic and automated mutations,
• Decrease in litigation through conclusive titling,
• Availability of certificates based on land data (e.g., domicile, caste, income) through computers,
• Facilitation of e-linkages to credit facilities, and
• Access to information on eligibility for government programs based on land data.

National Generic Document Registration System (NGDRS):
Under the Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP), the National Generic Document Registration System (NGDRS) was developed to provide a unified platform for document and property registration across India. This initiative aims to empower citizens by reducing land disputes and fraudulent transactions. NGDRS has been launched or is under implementation in 10 states and union territories, benefiting approximately 10.47 crore people.

Key Benefits of NGDRS:

• Reduction of land disputes and fraudulent transactions
• Decrease in the time and process required for document registration at Sub Registrar level
• Ability to register documents anywhere within concurrent jurisdiction
• Provision of SMS and email alerts for property transactions
• Establishment of a dashboard for senior authorities to monitor outcomes and analyze performance
• Sharing of data with relevant government departments/stakeholders for improved governance
• Integration with external systems for services like eSign, eKYC, and payment gateways
• Expected improvement in the country's ease of doing business ranking on a global scale

Unique Land Parcel Identification Number (ULPIN):
The Unique Land Parcel Identification Number (ULPIN) system assigns a 14-digit alphanumeric unique ID to each land parcel. This system, based on international standards, aims to ensure uniqueness in all land transactions and maintain up-to-date land records. ULPIN facilitates the delivery of citizen services through a single window and enables data sharing across departments and stakeholders.

Benefits of ULPIN:

• Uniqueness in all land transactions
• Establishment of a link between all property transactions
• Delivery of citizen services through a single window
• Sharing of land records data across departments and stakeholders
• Standardization at data and application levels for effective integration and interoperability

1. Reduction of Litigation: Land disputes are a major contributor to India's backlog of court cases, leading to delays and costs. A digital land record system can alleviate these disputes by offering clear, government-endorsed ownership rights.
2. Enhancement of Transparency: Current land records in India often suffer from inaccuracies and fragmentation across government departments. Digitizing land records improves transparency by making them more accessible and accurate. Integration with spatial data, Aadhaar, and tax records further enhances transparency.
3. Promotion of Development: Land is a crucial asset for attracting investments and driving economic growth. A transparent land record system reduces transaction costs and risks, facilitating access to credit and markets for landowners. This, in turn, promotes industrialization and economic development.
4. Ensuring Equity: A robust land record system supports land reforms aimed at redistributing land to marginalised groups. Recognizing land rights, particularly for women and vulnerable communities, empowers them and improves their access to land-related services.

Extension and Expansion of DILRMP:
The Government approved a five-year extension of the Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP) from 2021-22 to 2025-26.

Progress in DILRMP Components:
Substantial progress has been made in various components of DILRMP:

• 95.08% of Record of Rights (RoR) computerization completed
• 68.02% of Cadastral Maps digitised
• 94.95% of Registration processes computerised
• 87.48% of Sub Registrar Offices integrated with Land Records

1. Linkage of e-Court with Land Records/Registration Database:
   Pilot tests for linking e-Court with land record and registration databases have been conducted successfully in Haryana, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh. This initiative aims to provide courts with authentic information for speedy disposal of cases and reduction of land disputes.
2. Transliteration of Land Records:
   A transliteration tool has been developed to convert Records of Rights available in local languages to any of the 22 Schedule VIII languages of the Constitution. This initiative addresses linguistic barriers in land governance and is currently being piloted in eight states and union territories.

Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP) stands as a critical initiative aimed at revolutionising land record management in India. Its implementation has brought forth a plethora of benefits, including improved transparency, reduced land disputes, and enhanced accessibility to land-related information. By digitizing land records and introducing innovative initiatives like ULPIN and NGDRS, DILRMP has laid the foundation for a more efficient and equitable land governance system.

However, despite its merits, DILRMP faces several challenges and shortcomings that need to be addressed for its effective implementation. Technological barriers, resistance to change, and inconsistencies in data pose significant hurdles that require concerted efforts to overcome. Additionally, the lack of public awareness and inadequate capacity building further hinder the program's success.

To enhance the effectiveness of DILRMP, a multi-pronged approach is required. This includes investing in infrastructure and technology, conducting extensive public awareness campaigns, and providing comprehensive training and capacity building to stakeholders. Moreover, ensuring interoperability between different systems and databases, as well as regular monitoring and evaluation, are essential for sustaining the program's success.

Furthermore, behavioural changes among stakeholders, including government officials and landowners, are crucial for embracing and utilising digital land record systems effectively. Policy changes, such as streamlining regulatory frameworks and allocating sufficient funding, are also imperative to address the challenges and enhance the impact of DILRMP.