The recent presentation of the “Bhoomi Samman” 2023 by the President of India has focused attention on the efforts to digitize and modernize land records in India. On that event, organized by the Union Ministry of Rural Development, state secretaries and district collectors were awarded for their implementation of the Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP).
Understanding the Bhoomi Samman
“Bhoomi Samman” is an award scheme launched by the Union Ministry of Rural Development to recognize the efforts of states and districts in implementing the DILRMP. Those awarded have excelled in fully implementing core components of the DILRMP, which include computerization and digitization of land records and cadastral maps, integration of textual and spatial data, modern technology based surveys, computerization of registration, and fostering interoperability between registration and land records.
Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP)
The DILRMP, formerly known as the National Land Record Modernization Programme, started operation under the Ministry of Rural Development with 100% funding from the Centre since April 1st, 2016. The initiative aims at converting traditional land records into digital formats.
Pros of Digitizing Land Records
Digital land records bring several positives, including greater transparency and accountability in land transactions; resilience to natural disasters like floods and fires; efficient land utilization due to the Unique Land Parcel Identification Number (similar to Aadhaar Card); and better resolution of land disputes due to easy access to land-related information.
Challenges in Digitizing Land Records
Despite its benefits, the digitization process faces several hurdles. India’s fragmented land records, maintained by multiple authorities at village, district, and state levels, lack uniformity, making centralization difficult. Rural India, where most land is located, often lacks the necessary technological infrastructure and internet connectivity for digitization. Data security and privacy are also concerns as land records contain sensitive personal information.
Progressive Steps Toward Modernization
The adoption of a blockchain-based system could help overcome these challenges. Blockchain’s decentralized and immutable nature enhances transparency and reduces fraud chances in land transactions. Drone surveys combined with Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping can provide accurate, dynamic representations of land records. Also, establishing uniform data standards and formats could ensure compatibility across systems, enabling efficient data sharing and retrieval.
UPSC Civil Services Examination Questions Related to Land Reforms
Previous year questions from the UPSC Civil Services Examination related to land reforms are: Prelims 2019 – “With reference to land reforms in independent India, which one of the following statements is correct?” and Mains 2016 – “Discuss the role of land reforms in agricultural development, identify the factors that were responsible for the success of land reforms in India.” The correct answer to the prelim question was: “The major aim of land reforms was providing agricultural land to all the landless.”