Telangana Government Revamps Land Records Management System

The Telangana Government has recently taken steps to improve its land records management system. The previous system, known as Dharani, faced numerous controversies and complaints from farmers. In a bid to address these issues, the government has transferred the management of the portal to the National Informatics Centre (NIC). This change is part of a broader initiative to launch a new, farmer-friendly portal called Bhumata.

Transition to National Informatics Centre

On December 1, the NIC assumed control of the land records portal. This transition aims to enhance the system’s reliability and user experience. The NIC has initiated an upgrade of the software to improve the database management. As a result, services on the portal have been temporarily suspended until December 16.

Introduction of Bhumata Portal

The Bhumata portal is intended to replace the controversial Dharani system. The Congress Government has emphasised the need for a platform that addresses the grievances of farmers. The decision to revamp the portal comes after extensive studies brought into light the shortcomings of Dharani. The new portal aims to provide a more user-friendly experience while ensuring better access to land records.

Legislative Changes and Stakeholder Involvement

A new piece of legislation is set to replace the Telangana Rights on Land and Pattadar Passbooks Act, 2024. This legislation is the first to be made available for public feedback. It aims to improve land record management and ensure transparency. The government plans to introduce this new Act during the upcoming winter session of the Legislature starting December 16.

Restoration of Village-Level Revenue Administration

One of the key features of the new legislation is the restoration of revenue administration at the village level. This includes appointing dedicated officers to handle land records and related issues. The previous legislation lacked provisions for local appeals, leading to a backlog of applications at the district level. The new law aims to address this gap by allowing farmers to appeal decisions locally.

Impact on Farmers and Legal System

Farmers faced challenges due to discrepancies in land records under the Dharani system. Many were forced to approach the courts, adding to the legal system’s burden. The new measures are designed to alleviate these issues and provide farmers with a clearer path for resolving disputes. By improving access to land records, the government hopes to reduce the number of court cases related to land disputes.

Questions for UPSC –

1. Critically analyse the implications of the new Telangana land records legislation on local governance.
2. Estimate the potential impact of the Bhumata portal on farmer grievances compared to the Dharani system.
3. Point out the significance of stakeholder involvement in the formulation of land management policies.
4. What are the challenges of implementing a user-friendly digital platform for land records? Discuss with examples.

Answer Hints:

1. Critically analyse the implications of the new Telangana land records legislation on local governance.

1. The new legislation restores village-level revenue administration, enhancing local governance.
2. It introduces provisions for local appeals, thus empowering farmers and reducing backlog at district levels.
3. Dedicated officers will be appointed to manage land records, improving accountability and efficiency.
4. Increased transparency in land record management can encourage trust between the government and local communities.
5. Potential for improved decision-making at the local level as a result of direct farmer engagement in governance.

2. Estimate the potential impact of the Bhumata portal on farmer grievances compared to the Dharani system.

1. Bhumata aims to address the specific complaints raised against the Dharani system, focusing on user-friendliness.
2. The transition to NIC management is expected to enhance reliability and responsiveness of the portal.
3. By allowing local appeals, Bhumata may reduce the need for farmers to approach courts for disputes.
4. Improved access to accurate land records can empower farmers and reduce grievances related to discrepancies.
5. Ongoing feedback mechanisms will help adapt the portal to meet farmers’ needs more effectively.

3. Point out the significance of stakeholder involvement in the formulation of land management policies.

1. Stakeholder involvement ensures that policies reflect the real needs and concerns of farmers and local communities.
2. Public feedback can lead to more effective and accepted legislation, encouraging trust in government actions.
3. Engagement of various stakeholders can identify potential pitfalls and areas for improvement in policy design.
4. It encourages collaboration between government bodies and local entities, enhancing implementation success.
5. Stakeholder input can promote transparency and accountability within the land management system.

4. What are the challenges of implementing a user-friendly digital platform for land records? Discuss with examples.

1. Technical issues such as software bugs or server outages can disrupt access to the platform, as seen with Dharani.
2. Resistance to change from users accustomed to traditional methods may hinder adoption of the new system.
3. Ensuring data accuracy and security is critical; any breaches can undermine trust in the platform.
4. Training and support for users are essential; lack of resources can lead to underutilization of the platform.
5. Integration with existing systems and databases can be complex, potentially causing delays or inconsistencies.