Importance of Land Record Modernisation

Importance of Land Record Modernisation

The Importance of Land Record Modernisation report examines the importance of land title making and registration for the betterment of our society. While the importance of this effort is there, we are still facing difficulties in implementation due to a lack of knowledge about the importance of current records. By making land titles more updated and current, we can bridge the gaps in terms of financial inclusion and access to government programs because all these things (loans, disaster relief, etc.) require actionable deeds.

Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP)

The Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP), a Central Sector scheme has been extended up to 2020-21 at a total cost of Rs. 950 crores.

It attempts to build upon the commonalities that exist in the arena of land records in various States to develop an appropriate Integrated Land Information Management System (ILIMS) across the country, on which different States can also add State-specific needs as they may deem relevant and appropriate.

Substantial progress has now been achieved in the prime components of computerization of Record of Rights - more than 90% in 24 States/UTs, digitization of cadastral maps - more than 90% in 22 States/UTs, computerization of Registration- more than 90% in 27 States/UTs, connectivity between Sub-Registrar Offices and Tehsils, integration of Registration and Land Records - more than 90% in 20 States/UTs.

Observations by NCAER Land Records and Services Index

NCAER Land Records and Services Index is a performance index that provides information about states’ performance in digitization and quality of land records.

NCAER (National Council of Applied Economic Research) made an innovative effort by launching NCAER Land Records and Services Index (N-LRSI) in 2020.

The index evaluates states’ performance on digitisation and quality of land records.

States/UTs have made various efforts to make improvements in various parameters of the N-LRSI index. These improvements are clearly recorded in the N-LRSI 2021 findings.

Bihar jumped from the 23rd to 8th position in the index. It achieved significant progress in the digitisation of maps, textual records and the registration process.

Challenges in land records pointed out by the N-LRSI study:

There are several factors that make it imperative to have the right data on land records. One of them is lack of skilled manpower in the departments of land records.

The N-LRSI study has pointed out poor cooperation and coordination among these departments. This has resulted in delays in processing land records needed by the common public.

The information from the sources reveals that no state/UT has the facility for online modification of records on the same day as the registration.

The National Land Records Survey Implementation in India report shows that the land administration system in India has another multiple challenge - a weak linkage between the revenue department and the survey and settlement department, huge difference between textual record of land area and space record, waiting times, and lack of clarity over ownership status.