Land Governance: A Comprehensive Overview of the Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP)

In a bid to revolutionize land record management and usher in transparency, the Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP) was restructured and upgraded from the National Land Record Modernization Programme.

This Central Sector Scheme, initiated on April 1, 2016, is fully funded by the Centre, aiming to create a modern and transparent land record system. The primary objectives include real-time land information, optimal land resource utilization, reduction of disputes, and the facilitation of policy and planning.

Land Records Computerization:

The DILRMP has made significant strides in computerizing land records across the country. Key achievements include the completion of 95.08% Record of Rights (RoR) in 6,25,062 out of 6,57,396 villages, digitization of 68.02% cadastral maps, 94.95% computerization of registration in 5,060 out of 5,329 Sub-Registrar Offices, and the integration of 87.48% of Sub-Registrar offices with land records.

The government has approved a five-year extension of DILRMP from 2021-22 to 2025-26. Two new components, namely Consent-based integration of Aadhaar numbers with land records and the Computerization of Revenue Courts, have been added. These augment the existing program components like setting up Modern Record Rooms, survey/re-survey, data entry/re-entry, digitization of cadastral maps, and state-level data centers.

Innovative Initiatives:

a) Unique Land Parcel Identification Number (ULPIN) or Bhu-Aadhar: The ULPIN system, a 14-digit alphanumeric unique ID for each land parcel, has been adopted in 29 States/UTs. This system, compliant with international standards, enhances real estate transactions, resolves property boundary issues, and aids disaster planning and response efforts.

b) National Generic Document Registration System (NGDRS) or E-Registration: Implemented in 18 States/UTs, NGDRS or e-Registration simplifies the registration process through a common, generic, and configurable application. It has received the Prime Minister Award for Excellence in Public Administration for 2021.

c) Linkage of e-Court with Land Records/Registration Database: The integration of e-Court with land records and registration databases in 26 States/UTs aims to provide authentic information to courts for speedy dispute resolution, reducing land disputes, and promoting ease of doing business.

d) Transliteration of Land Records: To address linguistic barriers, the government, with the support of C-DAC Pune, is transliterating records of rights into any of the 22 Schedule VIII languages. Currently, 17 States/UTs are using the transliteration tool in land records.

e) BHOOMI SAMMAN (Platinum Grading Certificate Scheme): Recognizing achievements, 168 districts in 16 States have achieved Platinum Grading, completing 99% and above work in key program components. The President of India felicitated these districts at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, through the 'Bhoomi Samman' ceremony.

The stands as a testament to India's commitment to modernizing land governance. Through its achievements and innovative initiatives, it has not only improved land record management but also paved the way for greater transparency, efficiency, and accessibility in the administration of land-related processes.