Union Minister of Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan Rural India remarked that India is making strides towards a digitalised India through digital digitization of land records and modernized management of land ownership. Such initiatives contribute to transparency to land administration which empowers millions of rural households. The Union Minister stated that 95% of land records have been digitised in rural India since 2016, which has addressed the issues of paperwork and ownership disputes, informed Ministry of Rural Development, PIB.
It was stated by the Ministry that the digitization of land records in India has provided access to the the prior traditional challenges of disputes, fraud, and inefficient manual processes. The digitization step has simplified solving disputes and court issues empowering marginalized communities through improved access to land rights. Integration with geospatial mapping enhances land management, enabling accurate surveys and planning, it stated.
Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP), was set up as a Central Sector Scheme in April 2016, with full funding from the central government. The aim was to establish a modern and transparent land records management system by developing an Integrated Land Information Management System. This system aims to provide real-time land information, optimize land use, benefit landowners and potential buyers, support policy-making, reduce land disputes, prevent fraudulent transactions, eliminate physical visits to offices, and enable data sharing with various organisations, its stated.
Key initiatives under DILRMP
- Unique Land Parcel Identification Number (ULPIN):
The ULPIN or “Bhu-Aadhar” provides a 14-digit alphanumeric code for each land parcel, based on its geo-coordinates. Implemented in 29 States/UTs, it helps streamline real estate transactions, resolve property disputes, and improve disaster management efforts.
- National Generic Document Registration System (NGDRS):
NGDRS or e-Registration provides a uniform process for deed/document registration across the country, allowing online entry, payments, appointments, and document searches. So far, 18 States/UTs have adopted it, and 12 others share data with the national portal.
- e-Court Integration:
Linking land records with e-Courts aims to provide authentic land information to the judiciary, aiding in faster case resolution and reducing land disputes. Integration has been cleared in 26 States/UTs.
- Transliteration of Land Records:
To overcome language barriers in accessing land records, the program is transliterating land documents into any of the 22 languages listed in Schedule VIII of the Indian Constitution. This is already in use in 17 States/UTs.
- e-Court Integration:
Under this initiative, 168 districts across 16 States have achieved “Platinum Grading” for completing over 99% of the program’s core components, including land record computerisation and map digitization.
India’s government is revolutionising land governance through technology, enhancing transparency and accessibility. Unique land IDs and geospatial mapping empower marginalized communities with secure ownership proof, driving economic growth and stability. “As land records become clearer and more accessible, they pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable society, where every individual can claim their rightful place and contribute to the nation’s progress,” the Ministry stated.
